Art Textile Biennale 2020

Fibre Arts Australia is highlighting the contemporary practice within Art Textiles as an art form in this, the inaugural Art Textile Biennale. It has long been a dream of the founder of Fibre Arts Australia, Glenys Mann, to highlight art textiles and with the assistance of her business partner, Nonie Sutcliffe and the generosity of the director Crystal Stubbs and her team at the East Gippsland Art Gallery in Bairnsdale, the dream has materialised.

Art Textiles is a term derived to express emotions and feelings using a media that has been used since the dawn of time. With many working with cloth and fibre, the subtle marks of stitch show an extraordinary diversity of methods that are applied by 29 artists from 16 countries including Australia. Traditional and non-traditional techniques being utilised in a contemporary practice, the repeated touch in these works is very gratifying.

Viewers will be captivated and engaged by the rhythm of the maker and excellence that is exhibited. The selected works in this inaugural award pushes previously held notions of textile/fibre, opening a dialogue about what it is to be a textile artist that makes an expression and commentary on content and concept in the 21st Century.

The finalists show a well resolved concept combined with exploratory and expert use of their chosen material. From intimate reflections to huge environmental issues, the works vary in concepts, techniques, material and presentation.

From the work of one’s hands, these works are from artists who present themselves in varied ways as Masters in a technique that is so inherent within their art practice.

There is a common thread of innovation, experimentation beside professional practice with a focus on contemporary as never before. Fibre Arts Australia is committed to developing this significant award with it original vision and intentions so that Art Textile practitioners continue to expand, grow and inspire.

Glenys Mann

If you are not able to see the Biennale, here is a video of the exhibition

Opening Saturday 12 June 2021, 3 – 5pm

Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 12 – 5pm, or by appointment.

Fibre Arts Australia

Mob: 0417 446 287 – Glenys Mann
Email: mail@fibrearts.net.au
Website: www.fibrearts.net.au
Insta: www.instagram.com/fibreartsaustralia/