Craftivism. Dissident Objects and Subversive Forms

14 February to 2 May 2020

Craftivism. Dissident Objects and Subversive Forms presents the work of 18 contemporary Australian artists who utilise craft based materialities with a political intent. Broadening our understanding of craft-making traditions, the artists in this exhibition subvert and extend these forms into the realm of activism and social change, reflecting on the world in which we live. While some respond directly to artistic or political movements, others encourage social connection between community members or require participatory activation through collective processes. Drawing on a long historical lineage, Craftivism. Dissident Objects and Subversive Forms enables viewers to rethink craft in a new light.

Artists: Catherine Bell, Karen Black, Penny Byrne, Erub Arts, Debris Facility, Starlie Geikie, Michelle Hamer, Kate Just, Deborah Kelly, Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran, Raquel Ormella, Kate Rohde, Slow Art Collective, Tai Snaith, Hiromi Tango, James Tylor, Jemima Wyman and Paul Yore.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body, as well as receiving development assistance from NETS Victoria’s Exhibition Development Fund, supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.

Craftivism. Dissident Objects and Subversive Forms is a SAM curated exhibition, touring nationally by NETS Victoria. Exhibition Curators: Anna Briers and Rebecca Coates

The exhibition is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue featuring a curatorial introduction and three commissioned texts by David Cross, Jessica Bridgfoot and Amelia Winata.