Craft Search 2010
Rukaiya Essa
KwaZulu-Natal Cacias
2010
Felt, needle-felt embroidery
Superb craftwork from across KwaZulu-Natal is being sought by representatives of the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg in a far-reaching flagship project made possible through sponsorship by the National Arts Council (NAC). Crafters of all races and disciplines are invited to bring their work to the attention of the gallery team, who will be undertaking a number of field trips across the province over the next few months.
Thulani Xulu
Inkuku
2010
Wood, polish
"The aim of this project is to provide a platform to highlight the variety and richness of contemporary craft production in KZN," says Tatham director Brendan Bell. "There are two main criteria that we are prioritising: the first is contemporaneity - works must reflect a contemporary feel even if fused with traditional media. We are hoping to strike a balance between superbly crafted indigenous craft items and pieces that defy categorisation - craft that is totally new and innovative. The other requirement, and this is paramount, is outstanding quality. The promotion of excellence in all areas of craft is a primary motivation behind this project, so superb standards of work are vital."
Sicelo Ziqubu
the Weaver's Feast
2010
Mixed media, found objects
Another significant purpose of the provincial craft search will be the documentation and recording of "what is out there". Information sourced will form an important database for future reference. Another aspect will be a high quality catalogue of works linked to a craft exhibition to be held at the Tatham Art Gallery in March 2011. This exhibition and catalogue will attempt to benefit selected crafters through linking them to appropriate potential buyers. Items selected for exhibition may also be considered for inclusion in the Tatham Art Gallery's permanent collection as donations from the NAC, as a way of continuing to develop the Gallery's collection of superb craft and craft-art items.
"The promotion of sustainable income for crafters is not easy," says Brendan. "Most are makers, not marketers, and they rely on various outlets for their sales. Some of these are formal, such as craft shops and projects, tourist retail outlets etc, and some are informal, such as roadside stalls and craft markets. The selection of items for the final exhibition will be based on excellence of construction, aesthetic appeal and originality. And always, the main thrust of selection is that we are searching for that sense of contemporaneity."
The field trips will commence within the next few weeks, and those interested in being part of the project are invited to contact the Tatham Art Gallery for details of where the various venues for the showcasing of local craftwork will be on the respective field trips.
For more information contact:
Kobie at 033 392-2819
Pinky at 033 392-2811
Thulani at 033 392-2823
Elaine Barnard
Some are born old
2010
Fabric, mixed media