Performing Knits

Abstract

The broader intention of this work is to investigate knitted textiles as interactive pieces, where changeable qualities embedded in the knit design are activated through movement. The main objective is to provide a novel perspective of the role and perception of knitted materials in a performative context. Presenting a shift from previously seen static knitted material to incorporating knit design to create knitted pieces that have the opportunity to enhance and take part. Due to the moving body being an activator of the changeability embedded in the knitted textile design, the work has a strong connection to related fields such as contemporary dance and performance. The work is carried out through practice-based research, where experimentation both in terms of technical development of knit design and their performative possibilities are used to obtain knowledge. The interrelation between knit, changeability, performativity and movement are researched through a series of experiments. The result of this work provides a variety of knitted pieces, each with their unique properties in regards to changeability and performativity, as well as a film of a performance where one can experience the knitted pieces and their properties during movement.