The Alchemists

A survey of fibre art for FORM with a focus on recent and innovative works by Aboriginal artists from art centres across the country who use found and or natural materials in specialised and localised ways. The exhibition showcased weaving as an artistic practice that has been continually reinvented, yet continues to embody the knowledge of transforming raw materials into a myriad of creative artworks. Aboriginal fibre arts practice represented in The Alchemists emerged from a repository of social and cultural knowledge. Weaving describes an action, and it also connotes a tradition imbued with cultural heritage.

Distinctively and regionally diverse, the Indigenous fibre art of Australia is expressive of a community of practice. Although not comprehensive of the broad practice of Aboriginal weaving across Australia, the exhibition was a glimpse into the art form through recent works from key art centres and artists. Contemporary fibre art is shaped by economic and ecological influences, by change and the adoption of new methods and new materials, which are engaged in specialised and localised ways.

Editorial Project
The Alchemists Co-Editor/Essayist of catalogue publication with Introduction from Ben Wyatt; essays from Mags Webster, Dr Lousie Hamby, Grace Lillian Lee and interviews by Kim Kirkman. Featuring Martumili Artists, Kieran Karritpul, Nicole Chaffey, Cassie Leatham, Vicki West, Janine McAulley Bott, Maicie Lalara, Annabell Amagula.

Photos courtesy: Sundae Studios