Material Intelligence: Exhibitions

Explore exhibitions across Sydney in all directions, showcasing a broad range of practices and material use.

In the East you’ll find three exhibitions at Australia Design Centre including MAKE Award the biennial award exhibition of innovative works in ceramic, textiles, furniture, lighting, glass, jewellery and object. Remade-Reloved presents eighteen contemporary makers who explore the principles of the circular economy through the lens of jewellery, and No Friends But The Ghost (Ceng Beng) was created during the COVID-19 lockdowns in response to conversations or personal attacks related to race, class, migration, stereotype and identity.

North of the harbour there’s a strong focus on textiles. Crossing Boundaries at the Hand Weavers & Spinners Guild of NSW is located at historic Brush Farm House and there’s also opportunities to join classes and groups in everything from spinning, weaving and tapestry to a Twisted Book Club . Loom Heaven hosts a selection of Elizabeth Calnan’s scarves, rugs and wraps made with a fibre combinations that luxurious textures. Common Threads Collective presents From Where She Stands, an exhibition focussed on sustainability, community and belonging. A group exhibition at Primrose Park Art Centre creates the perfect opportunity to discover this beautiful community space whilst enjoying an exploration of materials. Venture a little further for Make & Create Week in Lake Macquarie. A range of exhibitions, events and craft activities across local libraries and cultural venues in the area includes; Kintsugi for clothing – mending with gold thread, kids activities such as Spooktacular decoration making for Halloween and Makers in Residence with local shop makers at Mac Yapang, alongside their exhibitions.

In the West there’s a diverse mix including exhibitions about birds, buttons, baskets and more. SWELL can be seen 24/7 as a window gallery or visit on Fridays and Saturdays to enjoy and buy chunky forms in clay and paper. Tangible by the Society of Arts and Crafts of NSW is an exhibition of works you’ll want to touch. See Extending the Field at Chrissie Cotter Gallery to enjoy a series of events alongside the exhibition, including; bookmaking, invisible mending, shadow play and printing. Fire & Fabric is a group exhibition with a focus on ceramics and hand dyed sculptural textiles hosted in Shibori Gallery.

Visit Hazelhurst Art Centre in the South for Nanja: Stories Rewoven, a selection of Yir (dilly bags) and baskets woven from ghost nets, collected and woven by master weavers from the remote community of Numbulwar. Visitors can also book in to join a weaving workshop with makers from the community.

Image: Make Award 2023, Photo: Amy Piddington