1stAveMachine added director and knitting graffiti artist Magda Sayeg to its roster. The Austin-based artist, often referred to as the mother of yarn-bombing, is known for an artform that has gained international attention in the past several years, with newer artists covering public objects with yarn in cities around the world.
Joining 1stAve comes after a busy year for Sayeg, with a solo show in Rome, several projects commissioned by the city of Austin, and others just completed. In December, Sayeg was introduced to 1stAveMachine while partnering with director Aaron Duffy on the Toyota Prius Cozy spot.
"Magda has a great sense of style and so many ideas," commented Sam Penfield, 1stAveMachine's EP. "I told her right there on set that we would be working together on another project within six months, and here we are. We couldn't be more happy to have her join the team."
Sayeg began knitting graffiti in Houston, Texas where she founded the collective, Knitta Please in 2005. As the group changed over the years and eventually disbanded, Sayeg continued to evolve her work, challenging notions of public art, traditional craft, and subversion. She increasingly incorporates new techniques and materials into her work.
"Knitting has definitely been a vehicle for my artistic expression, but I've also been interested in working with other materials and have been experimenting with light and motion. I'm constantly involved in lots things at once," said Magda who also co-owns an art gallery, bookstore and a restaurant. "I think its natural for my art to reflect that. I'm excited to be a part of 1stAveMachine and continue to develop my work." Sayeg's solo show in Rome this year consisted of a large indoor landscape of pink, knit-covered tube lights. A similar integration of light was used for an installation piece at last year's Austin City Limits, with massive illuminated, yarn-covered tubes suspended from scaffolding high above the concert crowd.
Magda's campaigns this year include covering the iconic W logo at the W Hotel Austin, to welcome Willie Nelson in his likeness. A spot in Argentina with 1stAve European partner, Stink, just wrapped and in coming weeks she will work on a project that involves yarn-bombing the Williamsburg Bridge for the NYC Department of Transportation. Sayeg spends her time between New York City and Austin, where she lives with her family and bulldog Stella.