Connections

 

A half gallery touring exhibition of art quilts by members of the
Studio Art Quilt Associates – Oceania Region (SAQA)

 

14 May – 6 June (HALF GALLERY)

This touring exhibition of art quilts features textiles by 32 members of SAQA, an international non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting art quilts and their makers. The Oceania region includes Australia, New Zealand and expatriate members.

Containing work from numerous nationally and internationally renowned art quilters, the exhibition explores the many interpretations of ‘connection’ – from relationships to physical bonds, considering how we connect in difficult circumstances with ideas or people who are unlike ourselves, through to the simple state of feeling connected to our family or place.

The theme provides a focus and opportunity for a wide range of responses using contemporary fibre art medium. The broad theme is easily engaged with by the public and the work is diverse, challenging boundaries of quilting and encouraging conversation and dialogue about the use of quilting as an art form.

This is SAQA Oceania’s first juried exhibition. It challenged SAQA Oceania members to participate in a high-level exhibition addressing a theme within a size restriction (60cm x 100 cm portrait orientation). Two independent jurors, from Australia & the USA, selected the pieces to form a cohesive exhibit based on the artists’ interpretation and application of the theme. Both jurors are distinguished experts in the field of art and textile mediums.

Connections launched in Canberra in 2019, and has also toured to venues in New Zealand including the National Quilt Symposium in Auckland. Connections has received sponsorship from the Quilters Guild of SA to exhibit in South Australia, with Gallery M being the only venue to see the show.