Human anatomy is amazing, but not always pretty. Look no further than artist M.K. Carroll’s “Knitted Womb,” one of 50 pieces on display in Assemble Gallery’s Alt-Fiber: Reclaiming Art/Craft. The V-shaped uterus doll comes complete with Fallopian tubes made of Peruvian wool — but it’s not completely accurate. “I’ve taken a few liberties with the general shape and scale, and left out the ligaments connected to the ovaries,” says Carroll. “And of course, the uterus is not normally bubblegum pink.”

The exhibit also spotlights works by eight other artists, including Whitney Lee, whose latch-hook rugs feature images of Playboy Bunnies woven into them. “You get this juxtaposition of domesticity and ‘Hey! Naked ladies on the floor!’,” says curator Shannon Okey. And Julie Jackson contributes framed wall hangings. “But she didn’t do them with ducks and bunnies,” says Okey. “She embroidered ‘Homo Sweet Homo’ and ‘Life Sucks and Then You Die.'” Another proclaims ‘Happy Fucking Holidays.’ Says Okey: “She’s a real smartass.”
Jan. 13-Feb. 4

This article appears in Jan 11-17, 2006.