EMBELLISH

Group Show

Sanderson are pleased to present EMBELLISH – a group exhibition of adornments and objects related to the body. The exhibition features work from Josephine Cachemaille, Arapeta Hākura exhibiting under ‘Camp Father,’ Julia Holderness, Iza Lozano, Sung Hwan Bobby Park, Hanna Shim and Lisa Walker (ONZM).
 
Each artist has chosen to present a series of works that respond to the wider theme of adornment. While often suggesting jewellery or clothing, adornment can extend to ornaments, accessories and objects used to embellish, decorate and convey information about the wearer. Historically, adornment and jewellery have held a powerful position within society as portable and wearable artworks that signal social and political alignments by the wearer.[1] The works in EMBELLISH exemplify the ongoing importance of adornment within society today, and visual culture as an expression of identity. 
 
In recent years, contemporary craft disciplines such as jewellery, ceramics and textiles have begun to shed their ‘outsider’ status and are beginning to sit more comfortably within the fine arts sphere; with major public galleries such as Te Papa Tongarewa, The Dowse, Objectspace and Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery presenting craft and object-based exhibitions. EMBELLISH touches on the tensions between ‘fine art’ and ‘craft’ investigating how these hierarchies can be discussed, debated and dismantled playfully within a gallery setting.
 
The featured artworks are sculptural, surprising and complex. Bridging ceramics, textiles, found and natural materials these pieces express themes within each artist’s practice, whilst also commenting on the place of adornment within contemporary art in Aotearoa.

Exhibition curated by Jemma Giorza

[1]  Griffey E, ed. Sartorial Politics in Early Modern Europe: Fashioning Women. Amsterdam University Press; 2019.

To be added to the preview list please email info@sanderson.co.nz