Fabric
Fabrics have been around for millennia, initially for purely utilitarian purposes, no doubt, but eventually became materials used for works of art as well. Check out the links below for the history and chemistry of ancient and modern fabrics and dyes.
Links
This page includes natural polymers such as cotton and silk, but also
has links to synthetic polymers, including nylon and polyester:
http://pslc.ws/macrogcss/natupoly.html
Variety of resources on dye chemistry:
http://www2.gsu.edu/~mstnrhx/edsc84/dye.htm
This source explains the chemistry of modern "reactive dyes":
http://www.pburch.net/dyeing/chemistry_reactivedyes_lesson.shtml
Another technical treatment of the chemistry of reactive dyes:
http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/webprojects2002/price/reactive.htm