Textiles designed by Robert Glenn Ketchum

Robert Glenn Ketchum (b. 1947); Y K Delta from 1500; 2003; Silk loom weaving; Collection of the artist; Photograph by Steven Watson. Courtesy of Robert Glenn Ketchum.

Robert Glenn Ketchum (b. 1947); Y K Delta from 1500 [detail]; 2003; Silk loom weaving; Collection of the artist; Photograph by Steven Watson. Courtesy of Robert Glenn Ketchum.

Robert Glenn Ketchum (b. 1947); Graceful Branch Movement; Silk embroidery; Collection of the artist; Courtesy of Robert Glenn Ketchum.

Robert Glenn Ketchum (b. 1947); Graceful Branch Movement [detail]; Silk embroidery; Collection of the artist; Courtesy of Robert Glenn Ketchum.

Location

Robert Glenn Ketchum Studio, Los Angeles, California, USA

Medium

Silk weaving and silk embroidery

Size

53 in x 100 in (134.6 cm x 254 cm) and 72 in x 35 in (182.9 cm x 88.9 cm)

Glazing

Optium Museum Acrylic®

The Challenge

To protect light sensitive fine silk textiles during exhibition while simultaneously providing an optimal viewing experience of the highly detailed works.

The Solution

Optium Museum Acrylic®

Anti-reflective
Allows viewers to really appreciate the quality on the surface of the fine silk textile as well as the depth of the color.

99% UV blocking
Protects the silk textile from the most damaging light wavelengths, helping prevent fading and degradation.

Acrylic is half the weight of glass and shatter resistant
Safeguards against injury and damage to art work and visitors.

Anti-static protection exceeds that of glass
Immediate eliminates static charge. Makes for safer, easier framing and less cleaning.

Abrasion resistant
A durable hard coat protects against scratches from cleaning and general exposure to the public.

The Work

YK Delta From 1500 and Graceful Branch Movement were produced under the direction of Zhang Meifang at the Suzhou Embroidery Institute in Suzhou, China.

YK Delta From 1500 is a four-panel, double-sided, standing screen based on two aerial photographic images made flying over the Yukon-Kuskokwim river delta in Alaska. This weaving was created on a custom made loom specifically designed to render the image, using 3,000 threads of very fine warp. The threads were custom dyed, and the weaving includes select hand painted areas, as well as small clusters of gold thread used to represent the sun glistening off of the water. Peacock feathers were also employed to bring texture into an area of dry brush. All panels were woven simultaneously and took 4-1/2 years to complete.

Graceful Branch Movement is a double sided hand embroidery, featuring as many as 20 gradient levels for every color, amounting to over 500 gradient dyed colors collectively. Various thread thicknesses and stitch styles were used, including the “Suzhou fine style”, which is the most laborious to accomplish. This work took 1 ½ years to complete.

More Info

Learn more about Robert Glenn Ketchum
Learn about the Suzhou Embroidery Institute