|
She's Crafty showcased the work of over 20 women artists
in a diverse range of media, including fine art and installation,
craft, photography, furniture, garden and food art, music,
dance and short film.
The exhibition was co-curated by artist Wendy Gosselin. It was a celebration of
female ingenuity, emancipation and the interplay between Art and Craft.
It also represented a departure from the stereotypes of
craft making and sought to overcome the perceived divide
between fine art and craft by producing a show that was
inclusive of all forms of artistic expression.
"The show is predicated on a need to unite both
the crafter and the artist and to demonstrate that in
today's art world, the traditional limitations of what
constitutes fine art no longer apply, " said Gosselin.
"The history of the crafts movement as it evolved
in Britain is one firmly tied to political expression
and social change, and this is what also interested us
about the title for this show", according to Claire McGovern.
The diversity of work in the exhibition was manifested
by such works as Mary Greden's children's lamps, marshmallow
cartoons and short film by Abbie Baron Morganstein, fine
art and furniture installation by Cornelia Jensen, handbag
creations by Mako and recent work by Cindy Bennett and
Susan Kuchinkas to name but a few.
The early proponents of the Arts and Craft movement sought
to promote democracy and social cohesion through craft.
The limitations inherent in the role of women in the home
resulted in creative energies being focused on the design
and execution of high quality wares that were not only
functional but also beautiful. The social freedoms offered
by the movement attracted many women as it encouraged
emancipation through its promotion of gender equality
and female education. She's Crafty was a celebration of this progression.
|
