Caren Kaplan

Caren Kaplan is Professor Emerita of American Studies at UC Davis. Her research draws on transnational feminist theory, cultural geography, theories of art and perception, and military history to explore the ways in which undeclared as well as declared wars produce atmospheric politics. Recent publications include “Domesticity at War: Bringing the War Home in Martha Rosler’s House Beautiful Wartime Photomontages,” in Catalyst 9:1 (2023) and Aerial Aftermaths: Wartime from Above (Duke 2018).

The Fabric of War. Fabric is an under-appreciated aspect of the material infrastructure of war. From commemorative lace panels to decorative banners to war balloons, bandages, blankets, uniforms, flags, and camouflage netting, the textile industry and home crafters have been deeply involved in military matters. During my residency I will work on the draft chapter on gauze to join other chapters on lace, netting, and collage for my book in progress, The Fabric of War: Crafting Wartime Domesticity.