A new exhibition at the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery investigates fibre and textiles in relation to bodies, power, memory and places and reflects on the intricate histories embedded within crafted objects.

Stuffed, Bolstered and Upholstered, part of the Indian Ocean Craft Triennial (IOTA24) Codes in Parallel, unravels unexpected narratives ingrained within everyday materials, exploring processes such as weaving, stitching and draping.

Exhibition curator Lee Kinsella said the artworks explored themes such as climate change, intergenerational knowledge, identity and mental health.

“It highlights the dual nature of textiles – how they can both constrain bodies and also protect, nurture and express aspects of identity,” Ms Kinsella said.

Local West Australian artists including Richard and Rickeeta Walley, Bev Thomson, Sharyn Egan, Jess Day, Jody Quackenbush and Sam Bloor are featured, alongside national artists Zanny Begg, Teelah George, Deborah Prior, Sera Waters  and Judy Watson.

The exhibition features artwork from The University of Western Australia’s collections, including historical works by Sidney Nolan, significant pieces from the Cruthers Collection of Women’s Art, UWA Art Collection, and the Berndt Museum, as well as new, loaned and commissioned works.

Rina Franz created a new installation for the exhibition comprised of 170 shirt collars, The Invisible Thread, inspired by her mother’s career as a seamstress.

“The initial stimulus for this new work was the discovery of my mother’s notebook after her passing,” Franz said.

“This hidden record of her work as a seamstress ignited the desire to delve into memories of a time when women’s behind-the-scenes contribution to society was unacknowledged.

“It pays homage to all those women, like my mother, who with each stitch, wove not only fabric but memories and aspirations.

“It seeks to unravel the significance of the ‘invisible thread’ that connects generations and preserves the tapestry of cultural heritage.”

Stuffed, Bolstered and Upholstered opens on Friday 6 September from 6m to 8pm and runs until Saturday 7 December.

LWAG is open Tuesday to Saturday from 12 noon to 5pm and admission is free. To register for the opening night or for more information and events listing click here.

Image above: Annabelle Collett, Modifying the form (detail), 1999, 13 parts, various materials including hand-painted cotton, embroidery, fur wire, ribbon, bones, hair, butchers’ hooks, pins, 180 x 380cm, Cruthers Collection of Women's Art, Gift of the family of Annabelle Collett, 2021 © Courtesy of the artist’s estate.