Joint Solo Exhibitionstitches, weaves and threads - Eight different rooms and a courtyard. Eight textile and fibre artists working in different media : Robert Brain, Kirsten Fredericks, Sarah Edmondson, Paula do Prado, Jane Theau, Sally Blake, Kelcie Bryant-Duguid and Mikaela Castledaine. Every media from wool to weatherproof fibres will be exhibited.
Initially I was invited to display my 'Yellow Protest Dress' series which addresses the democratic right to protest, water4life, csg mining and adani among others. Wearables that focus on the environment: specifically the effects of mining and land clearing on ecosystems and the endangerment of local species of birds, plants and animals, water quality, the menindee lakes fish kills, the effects of drought. I expanded my brief to include other issues of protest. Compelled to address and respond to significant matters in social politics and the media during the lead up to this exhibition. My exhibition addresses the environment and feminism. A parallel discussion occurred while preparing for this exhibition and forced me to explore my own notion of 'what feminism is'. Feminist issues surrounding equality under the law, the right to choose, the language surrounding womens' issues and how we speak about girls and the opportunities we offer them have been explored. My goal with these works is to allow the viewer a space to question what is being said in the mainstream media, on talk back shows, by our leaders and commentators and as part of political discussion and to question those that hold the responsibility of 'leadership' in this country. Do they speak for me? Are they inclusive? Do they benefit all Australians? As an educator I always examine language first. What is the message? how is it being presented? what are the arguments being presented? how are they framed? how do those speaking present themselves? who is sponsoring or promoting a particular view? why are they saying this? who and what are the vested interests? who benefits? is this a change we can live with? what language is being used? is it inclusive, respectful? or is it filled with name calling and fear mongering? is it devisive and laced with inaccuracies to muddy the water? is the question being answered or is it deflected and blamed upon an opposing view? We each have a voice. But it is equally important to be informed, to listen and examine and think and decide for yourself as to whether you believe everything you hear and why it is being said. And this is when you have to make a stand and be heard. The exhibition is open from 2 October to 13 October 2019 and is featured as part of Sydney Craft Week. I feel really privileged to be invited to exhibit with this group of artists in such a well respected gallery. If you are in the area, make sure you pop in and have a look. All artworks are for sale. |