Monday, September 14, 2009

Fresh: Contemporary Baskets and Basketry


The other day I went to At the Vanishing Point in King Street Newtown to see an exhibition called "Fresh: Contemporary Baskets and Basketry". Several artists had created works using traditional techniques of weaving from natural and recycled materials. Although the finished products of some of the traditional styles of basketry appear to be flimsy and breakable, we realise that they are strong and long-lasting compared to many modern everyday items. Some of the works are made from contemporary recycled materials such as electric cables, chip packets and other plastics. These works still maintain organic and life-like forms reminiscent of bright sea creatures/plants. Curator of the exhibition Peter Williamson said, "The continuation of the ancient tradition of basketry has great appeal for me in a society such as ours where it is possible to simply purchase anything we want on demand."

Quoted from Peter Williamson's curatorial statement sent via email from At the Vanishing Point.

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