The Shape of Things - a national programme of craft exhibitions
The shape of things [TSOT} features two unique and beautifully crafted installations by textile artist Alinah Azadeh and ceramic artist Rosa Nguyen. Both artists have used traditional techniques to create extraordinary pieces that will challenge perceptions of what craft is.
It is on from 6 February - 18 April 2010 at the Bristol’s City Museum & Art Gallery, Open daily 10am-5pm, admission free.
About the works:
Alinah Azadeh- The Gifts Alinah asked the public to give objects they once valued or used, but were ready to let go of. These objects have now been transformed using weaving, binding and wrapping to create a stunning textile installation, suspended from the museum’s ceiling. The works include stories from the givers that reveal the poignant experiences, memories or associations with the objects that have been laid to rest through their contribution to the project.
This is illustrated in gift number 999 - the last gift, a tiny matchbox containing the ashes of a givers mother and father:
Gift number 999 - Ashes of Frederik and Margaret Prausnitz “A teaspoon or so of each of my parents. Both were great travellers with artist’s souls, I think they’d have enjoyed the bizarre nature of ending up suspended from a gallery ceiling, part of an amazing exhibition of things loved and cherished by so many like-minded people”
Rosa Nguyen - Still Living Rosa Nguyen’s ceramic and glass installation draws inspiration from the museum’s Chinese glass, British ceramic and Natural History collections, to create beautiful visual representations of nature and landscape. Rosa’s work uses traditional art forms such as Ikebana, the Japanese form of flower arranging and gardening, and makes reference to the spiritual energy of Chi. Some of her installations have incorporated pieces from the museum’s collections - including a watercolour dating from 1805, of a Quakers house and garden at 14 St James’s Square - which is now St James Barton Roundabout.
Alinah and Rosa are amongst eight artists who have been awarded bursaries by the shape of things -a national contemporary crafts project- to create new work, which explores identity within British society and connections with global cultures at venues across the UK.
Director of the shape of things partnership, David Kay says: “TSOT aims to provide opportunities for artists working with craft media to develop their talents and work closely with curators to produce new work for exhibition and installation in public spaces. TSOT seeks to stimulate debate about the contribution contemporary craft makes to a society that is culturally diverse. By enabling artists to have an independent voice through their work on issues such as identity, which can inform and engage local communities, TSOT encourages a practice, audience and market for contemporary crafts representative of the society we live in today.”
The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of talks, tours and family activities. For further information about the exhibition visit www.bristol.gov.uk/museums.
