Word, Thread, and the Magnolia

Word, Thread, and The Magnolia

Word, Thread, and The Magnolia is an interdisciplinary installation created by LabSynthE, a creative laboratory within the School of Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication at the University of Texas at Dallas. Installed in the East Flushing Gallery at The Ulrich Museum of Art, this work explores themes of language, nature, and connection.

Constructed with vinyl, markers, prompts, resin-coated magnolia leaves, embroidered magnolia pods, custom paper towels, and embroidered fabric, the piece draws inspiration from magnolia leaves and their shadows, as well as a poem by Chilean artist and poet Cecilia Vicuña. Through its diverse materials and tactile forms, the installation invites reflection on the delicate interplay between words, threads of connection, and natural elements.

LabSynthE’s work represents a fusion of artistic practice and poetic inquiry, offering visitors an intimate and thought-provoking experience. The Ulrich Museum of Art is grateful to Ulrich50 donors, the Friends with Benefits group, and support from the City of Wichita and Wichita State University, whose contributions make exhibitions like this possible.

In collaboration with Zahra Jafarpour