Opening Thursday 9 September, 6-8pm
To be opened by Nella Themelios, Coordinating Curator, Craft Victoria.
Fresh! finalists Natalia Milosz-Piekarska and Karla Way present a new body of work exploring the sublime power of amulets and talismans.
Natalia Milosz-Piekarska and Karla Way come together to present new work investigating the transcendent and transformative capabilities of materials. Amuletic and talismanic objects have long been associated with attracting luck and fortune, protecting from natural and supernatural forces, and radiating powers to benefit the beholder or wearer. Thought to be a direct conduit to the realm of deities, such objects transcend their physical state to become more than merely a rock, an animal bone, or a finely crafted pendant of silver or gold.
Focusing on instruments of divination and the deflection of ill fortune, Natalia and Karla will create a series of works that are abstract yet familiar. The pieces presented will capture the imagination, inviting the viewer to enquire, engage and treasure.
With much of her research delving into various aspects of superstition, folklore and ritual, Natalia Milosz-Piekarska’s practice explores our human inclination towards charmed objects and the power of belief. Along with Karla, Natalia was a finalist in Craft Victoria’s annual graduate showcase Fresh! in 2007.
Employing both traditional and modern materials, Karla Way creates jewellery, art objects and vessels. Her practice explores the transformative ability of materials, and draws inspiration from the extensive pre/history of jewellery, hollowware and personal objects. Her work has been short listed for Design Now at Object Gallery, Sydney and Hatched at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art, Perth.
Resources
Opening remarks by Nella Themelios
