Craft and its artists is in the spotlight with the exciting triennial Indian Ocean Craft 24 festival (IOTA24) now open in Perth. For the next three months craft from Australia and countries beyond will celebrate stories old and new.
The festival, Codes in Parallel, from August to October, highlights the work of more than 300 contemporary craft artists, artisans and groups from Indian Ocean countries – India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia and South Africa – and includes First Nations Australians and Australians of diverse heritage.
Exhibitions and events will show the innovative role of craft practices in this technological era: how craft is integral to the community, the environment and the socio-economic world.
There will be talks, demonstrations, special itineraries and interactive opportunities for artists and the general public alike.
It’s a big undertaking considering the sheer logistics of safely transporting many works to Perth, along with the influx of various artists over the next few months.
Co-curator Jude van der Merwe who is working with co-curator and festival director Carola Akindele-Obe, says the concept started in 2020 when she and a colleague were talking about craft and contemporary craft in Australian society and also about WA’s place in the Indian Pacific Ocean region.
“We like going to various countries on holiday but we don’t really pay much attention to the history, culture and traditions,” she said. “We also felt that craft and handicrafts are very strong with all our neighbours across Southeast Asia to India and Africa and they’re sort of slightly devalued.
“Yet craft is the bedrock of not only our culture but economic viability for so many of our neighbours. So, we thought we would like to do something about contemporary craft and how it’s seen.
“We did IOTA21 when all our borders were closed, but we did manage to produce two major exhibitions, at John Curtin Gallery and the Fremantle Arts Centre, presenting the work of 35 artists, 20 being international. Another 50 exhibitions were held around WA.
“We’re not looking at people just making a set of earrings or a bracelet, we’re talking about people using skills, traditions and knowledge and various materials to make ambitious works.”
Jude says this year’s festival is a massive undertaking covering more than 60 venues from various countries including WA’s Central Desert people.
“The three main venues are John Curtin Gallery, Fremantle Arts Centre and the Holmes à Court Gallery which will present big group exhibitions.
“Bunbury Regional Art Gallery will bring South African ceramicist Madoda Fani to WA to do a residency there. Rockingham Arts Centre is hosting an exhibition by WA ceramicist Warrick Palmateer and Yagan Mia Wireless Hill Park is presenting Malaysian artist Chang Yoong Chia’s work looking at the experiences of Malaysian diaspora making their home in WA.”
Jude says events are already happening with eight Malaysian artists from the Pangrok Sulap collective arriving in Perth recently to make a big work to be shown at John Curtin Gallery.
The first major openings are at Wireless Hill and John Curtin Gallery with some artists attending to oversee the installation of their works. Artists involved with the Fremantle Arts Centre will also come to Perth.
A four-day conference, Futuring Craft: The Value of Craft, will be held at Curtin University from September 3–6 attended by with artists, researchers and academics.
Jude says people interested in the festival can visit the IOTA24 website and look at various details and sign up for the newsletter should they be interested in attending, There is a list of every single exhibition, many of which are free.
As well as the Perth event, there will be companion exhibitions in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. WA country areas also involved include Esperance, Albany, Katanning, Kojonup, Dwellingup, Geraldton, Greenough, Carnamah and Mingenew.
IOTA24, Codes in Parallel, runs in Perth and country areas from August-September. Visit www.indianoceancrafttriennial.com for more details and a list of exhibitions and artists.
