This edition is dedicated to Western Australia’s first ever Indian Ocean Craft Triennial(IOTA21). Firstly we spoke with Jude van der Merwe, Co-Curator and Project Leader of IOTA21, who reveals the genesis of the event, from a seemingly ambitious one exhibition project to its organic growth to 50 shows across 40 venues in the state. A conference and fashion event complement the Triennial, amid much excitement of the impending feast of craft by local artists, and artists from around the Indian Ocean rim, set to hit Western Australia from this September to November. It’s a much-needed injection of hope for craft, long deserted by many in the education sector and underrepresented by government-funded bodies.

The major IOTA21 exhibition featuring international and local artists is across two venues: John Curtin Gallery and Fremantle Arts Centre. While we caught up with Jude van der Merwe at John Curtin Gallery for a sneak peek of works being unpacked, Rosamund Brennan describes the work of Aboriginal artist Sharyn Egan in the show at Fremantle Arts Centre, and provides context to the practice of international artists included.

We visited Mundaring Arts Centre for Finders Keepers, a rare solo by State Living Treasure, Nalda Searles, curated by Sandra Murray.

Laetitia Wilson covers In Situ at Holmes à Court Gallery in West Perth, where twelve artists created stunning large scale installations for the space.

We visited Mossenson Galleries for the exhibtion Carriers of Culture, a feast of woven forms by Indigenous women, and Ted Snell takes us on an interesting journey as curator of Counterpoint by WA members of the Jewellers and Metalsmiths Group of Australia at Stala Contemporary in West Perth.     

Lyn Di Ciero, Editor