The Weaving Legacy of Taller Galería Isaac Jr.
Praveen K. Chaudhry and Souzeina Mushtaq
Gladys Marcus Library
About this Item
- Title
- The Weaving Legacy of Taller Galería Isaac Jr.
- Contributor Name
-
Chaudhry, Praveen K. (Creator, Photographer)
-
Mushtaq, Souzeina (Creator, Photographer)
- Date
- 2022
- Description
- In the heart of Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca, Taller Galería Isaac Jr. stands as a beacon of tradition, where Arnulfo Gutiérrez Méndez, Línea Gutiérrez, Graciela Martínez López, and Isaac Vásquez Gutiérrez work together to preserve the ancestral art of Zapotec weaving. Their process begins with Graciela, who carefully selects and prepares raw wool and silk, including the delicate fibers sourced from locally raised silkworms. Arnulfo ensures the fibers are properly carded, aligning them into smooth strands ready for dyeing, setting the stage for the intricate textiles they will create.
- The studio is deeply rooted in the tradition of natural dyeing, led by Línea, who extracts colors from organic sources like cochineal for reds, indigo for blues, and minerals for earthy tones. These dyes, prepared through meticulous processes, transform plain fibers into vibrant threads, carrying the essence of Oaxaca’s natural landscape. Each color is carefully set into the fibers through extended soaking, ensuring longevity and depth, making every textile a unique fusion of nature and craftsmanship.
- Once the threads are ready, Arnulfo and Isaac, the lead weavers, bring the textiles to life using both backstrap and pedal looms. Their work is a delicate balance of tension, rhythm, and design, with Isaac specializing in traditional Zapotec motifs, weaving stories of heritage into each piece.
- Every textile is a test of patience—where even a minor mistake can require hours of correction—showcasing the immense dedication behind this craft. Through these techniques, they create visually striking patterns that honor centuries of indigenous artistry.
- Beyond production, Taller Galería Isaac Jr. serves as a center for cultural preservation and education. Under Isaac’s leadership, the workshop welcomes visitors to witness the weaving process, learn about the significance of natural dyes, and appreciate the artistry behind each creation. More than just textiles, these works represent a bridge between past and present, ensuring that Oaxacan weaving continues to thrive for future generations.
- Images included in the exhibition at FIT Library, "Resistance & Resilience: The Weavers of Oaxaca," in 2025. Artists: Praveen K Chaudhry, FIT and Souzeina Mushtaq, University of Wisconsin, River Falls.
- Rights
- Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
- In Copyright
- The copyright for this work is held by its author/creator(s). Usage of this material beyond what is permitted by copyright law must first be cleared with the rights-holder(s). This work has been made available online by the Fashion Institute of Technology Gladys Marcus Library strictly for research and educational purposes. If you are the copyright holder for this work and have any objections to this work being made available online, please notify us immediately at [email protected].
- Identifier
- FIT Repository ID: fc_000122
Citation
Chaudhry, P. K., & Mushtaq, S. (2022). The Weaving Legacy of Taller Galería Isaac Jr.. FIT Institutional Repository. https://institutionalrepository.fitnyc.edu/item/612779
Chaudhry, Praveen K., and Souzeina Mushtaq. The Weaving Legacy of Taller Galería Isaac Jr.. 2022. FIT Digital Repository, https://institutionalrepository.fitnyc.edu/item/612779
Chaudhry, Praveen K., and Souzeina Mushtaq. "The Weaving Legacy of Taller Galería Isaac Jr." FIT Digital Repository, 2022. https://institutionalrepository.fitnyc.edu/item/612779