Master Weaver Exhibition at WAG
Published on 20 February 2024
A collaborative textile project by acclaimed Australian weaver Liz Williamson is travelling to Wangaratta Art Gallery this Autumn. The exhibition, Weaving Eucalypts Project, brings together 100 panels woven by Williamson with fabric dyed by 60 collaborators with over 50 eucalypts species identified and sourced from over 50 locations. The exhibition is the outcome of Williamson’s experiments with Australian natural dye plants and the unique colours extracted from locally sourced plants.
In 2020, Williamson began inviting colleagues in Australia and India to colour silk fabric with eucalyptus leaves collected locally. These fabrics were then sent back to her studio, and once received, stripped and woven into beautiful panels. The finished woven panels reflect place and location while the process has created a unique community of collaborators, including Wangaratta artist, Robyn Barrow, who dyed fabric with local eucalypt leaves sourced from her garden.
Since 2021, the project has expanded to connect with more colleagues in Australia and India as well as other countries touched by the Indian Ocean – Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Thailand.
Each collaborator, location and species is named in the accompanying exhibition publication giving audiences an insight into the tremendous diversity of eucalypt species across the globe and the unique colour and shade profile each particular tree, bark and twig produces.
Wangaratta Art Gallery Director, Rachel Arndt said the exhibition represents contemporary craft dialogue and collaboration between like-minded colleagues across the Indian Ocean:
“The 100 weavings on display in this exhibition showcase an international community of textile practice linked by an engagement with the natural world and sustainable making. Williamson has expertly woven the returned fabrics dyed by her collaborators into panels. Referencing the traditions of woven rag rugs and ‘making do’ where new items are made from old or readily available materials.
The exhibition pays homage to the beauty of the Eucalypt, to local colour, cross cultural connections and shared weaving traditions.” She said.
Weaving Eucalypts Project will be opened by Helen Newman, award winning filmmaker and projection artist, at the exhibition launch on Friday 1 March from 5.30pm at Wangaratta Art Gallery. All welcome. To book your free ticket, please visit: www.wangarattaartgallery.com.au