Fabrication – exhibition built on two art forms

Fabrication – exhibition built on two art forms

An unusual exhibition opening in Khandallah brings together two art forms with a common theme of fabric – folded, draped and stitched.

‘Fabrication’ is the work of neighbours Leonie Fitzgerald and Kate Martin. Kate makes one-off bags using fabrics from the middle of last century and her work is complemented by artist Leonie’s original oil paintings which capture the sensuality of silk.

Kate’s passion for sewing was inspired by the inheritance of her grandmother’s fabric collection, along with her sewing skills. Her collection of bags showcase the quality, movement and texture of fabric from the 1940-1960s. The bags are lined with 100% silk and covered with industrial grade PVC plastic that protects the fabric and enhances its lustre.

Leonie’s oil paintings find the ‘rhythm’ to the folds and undulations of draped fabric. They are restful to look at and bring to mind a slept-in bed, rumpled clothing and sumptuousness of silk.

Kate moved in next door to Leonie almost a year ago. Since then their friendship has rapidly developed from the ‘borrow a cup of sugar’ phase to ‘let’s exhibit together’!

Leonie has an affinity for texture and many of her paintings incorporate wood, rock, wire and fabric either directly depicted or as components of mixed media pieces. Kate’s eclectic collection of fabric was the trigger for a series of works and a chance “over the fence” meeting at their clotheslines was the impetus for this collaboration.

‘Fabrication’ – folded: draped: stitched opens at Gallery Frames, Khandallah Village, on Friday evening, 20 October and runs to 2 November.

ENDS

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