I Think My Pig Is Whistling
23 April – 12 May
As seen in Denizen Magazine, tufted textiles become unlikely vessels for memory, tension and quiet rebellion in Jess Swney’s new exhibition, where softness disguises a far sharper cultural conversation.
Jess Swney’s use of fabric can be viewed as part of a historical continuum and critique of our cultural heritage, which saw ‘textiles’ as medium and vocabulary typically assigned to women. Her tufted rug ‘paintings’ address the nuanced journey of self-awareness and societal expectations – through the unseen and the unspoken.
The title of the exhibition ‘I think my pig is whistling’ is a German idiom used to express extreme surprise, disbelief, or shock – indicating that a situation is so absurd, it’s unimaginable. The presentation responds to Swney’s time spent on residency in Morocco in 2025, where she learned traditional weaving techniques from local artisans using hand-operated looms.
Jess Swney graduated from Massey University in 2023 with a First Class Honours Degree in Fine Arts. Her creative practice spans various mediums including oil painting, textiles, sculpture, and projections. Throughout her exploration, she delves into the intrinsic connection between the act of creation and the natural world. Her work investigates the consequences of human interaction with the environment, adopting an eco-didactic approach aimed at prompting reflection and encouraging behavioural change.
