Every thread tells a story

2023 Australian Wearable Art Festival Supreme winner Isabelle Cameron's prize-winning crochet piece, Dear Babushka. Picture: SUPPLIED

The worlds of clothing and art are set to collide at the Cardinia Cultural Centre, with the Australian Wearable Art Festival announcing its A Wearable Canvas exhibition will be running in Pakenham from Friday 5 April to Wednesday 15 May.

Featuring a collection of works from the festival, the exhibition showcases wearable art created from a range of uncommon materials including ponytail palm, pearl beads, coffee pods, shotgun aluminium, Guinea Fowl feathers and plastic mesh fruit bags along with macrame, weaving and crochet techniques.

Event curator Wendy Roe said A Wearable Canvas is a must-see exhibition for lovers of haute-couture and sculptural art.

“Australian Wearable Art Festival represents a very unique cross-section of high end haute-couture fashion with sculptural art and the detail and technique in each work is fascinating to see up close,” she said.

“Normally presented on a runway, this exhibition is a collection of some of our most spectacular winning works from the last five years.”

The 2023 Australian Wearable Art Festival Supreme winner Isabelle Cameron will have her prize-winning crochet piece Dear Babushka featured in the exhibition.

She said the work was inspired by her Ukrainian heritage and is a chance to challenge mainstream fashion norms, celebrate diversity, inclusivity and personal storytelling through hand crafted clothing and accessories.

“For me, Dear Babushka is not just a work of art; it’s a journey into cherished memories and a celebration of cultural richness,” she said.

“The meditative and labour-intensive process of crochet intertwines with bold, contrasting colours and large-scale elements, creating a playful and dynamic silhouette that exudes joy.

“With every stitch, I poured my heart into this piece, infusing it with a touch of nostalgia that invites viewers to embrace their inner child and reminisce about the warmth of family and tradition.”

For more information, visit cardiniaculturalcentre.com.au/exhibitions_event/a-wearable-canvas