The Fabric Workshop and Museum in Philadelphia is presenting "Soft/Cover," an exhibition featuring 90 works by 65 artists drawn from the museum's history from the late 1970s to today. Co-curated by Katy Donoghue and former chief curator DJ Hellerman, the show spans three floors and is arranged thematically around home items, shelter, and suiting, including soft architecture, garments, and tapestries. Eight artists-in-residence created new works for the exhibition, with seven produced on-site, such as Aimee Koran's "Mama's Space Suit" inspired by Louise Nevelson's 1985 "Opera Costume." Notable artists featured include Lynda Benglis, Roy Lichtenstein, Pat Steir, and Richard Tuttle.
The exhibition matters because it highlights the often-overlooked medium of fabric in contemporary art, showcasing how major artists have engaged with textiles and soft materials in unexpected ways. By presenting works from the museum's extensive collection alongside new commissions, "Soft/Cover" demonstrates the enduring relevance of fabric as a medium for exploring themes of shelter, performance, and everyday life, while also encouraging visitors to find creative inspiration in their own surroundings.