New Commissions by Xenobia Bailey

Discover two new artworks commissioned for Brookfield Place in the Winter Garden and Winter Garden Gallery.

Mothership | June 28 – September 17

Artist Xenobia Bailey’s artwork titled, Mothership, pays homage to the African American homemaker, caregiver, and domestic worker through the humble aesthetic of the needle arts. Single-stitched hand-crochet coverings draped over wooden chairs are reminiscent of the creativity and nurturing practices of her mother’s domestic skills.

Xenobia’s mother was the first influence on her work. “She created a beautiful ambience with nothing. She’d get these afghans and quilts from the Salvation Army to adorn the house in a way that was like an art installation.” This practice was common among Black women in rural, urban and suburban communities who felt the need for creative, warm and vibrant environments for both comfort and joy. This artwork celebrates the unsung women behind this folk-art tradition which evolved from Cottage Craft and the Arts and Crafts Movement in North America since the 1800’s and continues to this day.

Hallowed Be Their Names | July 12 – September 17

We invite you to sit under the canopy of Xenobia Bailey’s “Funktional Frequency Environment,” created to celebrate and uplift communities affected by loss.

The installation represents the survival of the human spirit that is often embodied in “Black Joy,” a skill cultivated by African American homemakers and caregivers who assist those in need of soulful and emotional refuge from the collective traumas of the world.

The artwork, hand crafted by Bailey, is composed of a crochet hammock and 8 swings constructed out of 26-gauge copper wire. Each crochet piece is accented by a funky-lace freeform style crochet, reminiscent of her childhood home, and paired with crystals above. The selected color palette represents the various regions the artist has lived, while the crystals act as conductors of energy as each copper wire color reflects through them.

We encourage you to reflect on what your own “Funktional Frequencies” might be as you view the artwork woven throughout the Winter Garden palm trees.