Artworks from the country's leading and emerging textile artists will be on show at the annual Innovative Threads contemporary fibre art exhibition at the Nova Constantia farm from Saturday 10 to Sunday 25th June.

One of the highlights at this year's event is a retrospective honouring the work of the artists showcased at the exhibition over the past 10 years.  In addition, a competition will be run for the most innovative and inspiring fibre art work from new artists.

Now in its 10th year, the exhibition has gained increasing popularity and has attracted the attention of art exhibition organisers from all over the world.  Innovate Threads has toured to USA, Germany, France, UK, The Netherlands, Japan and New Zealand.  

According to newly appointed exhibition curator Liza Gillespie, fibre art is a term used to define fine art made with flexible, natural or manmade materials. It may also incorporate textiles and textile techniques and be flat or sculptural. Fibre art objects are always one-of-a-kind and may be part of an artist's series of explorations within a theme.

"The mix of fibre art is what makes this unique event so appealing," says Gillespie. "This year's exhibition combines wall pieces such as quilts, weavings, embroideries, fabric painting, surface design, mixed media and three dimensional works including garments, baskets and other small objects."

Source: Innovative Threads Newsletter / April 2006

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