The sagging form of Mark Newport’s Batman 2 is a far cry from Hollywood’s contemporary depiction of the hero. Newport’s use of knitting, a technique traditionally associated with women’s work, is representative of a growing number of male artists challenging gender stereotypes through the fiber medium. The costume’s ridiculous proportions and limp posture undermine the character’s hyper-masculine associations and expose the insecurities these unrealistic ideals perpetuate, even as they suggest the possibility of a more vulnerable male role model.

Connections: Contemporary Craft at the Renwick Gallery, 2019