Land

The “LAND” exhibition was held in conjunction with the major tapestry event “TAPESTRY 2008” Canberra, Australia in 2008. There was a program of exhibitions, focussed talks with tapestries in collections and institutions, practical workshops, seminars, and symposiums. This program built on the momentum of previous events in Australia and explored the relationships between Fine Art, Tapestry, and Weaving. The event brought together practitioners, educators, students, collectors, critics, theorists, and historians for the exchange of ideas, interaction, practical learning, exposure to new works, and informed debate. As an important part of this event and in recognition of the strength of contemporary tapestry worldwide, the open submission “LAND” Award Exhibition was presented. Read the accompanying essay LAND to learn more about the work included in the exhibition.

Curator’s Biography

Valerie Kirk studied art and design at Edinburgh College of Art and was captivated by the creative process/infinite possibilities of the tapestry medium. In 1979 she came to Australia to become a weaver at the Victorian Tapestry Workshop, then worked in all states of Australia before moving to Canberra in 1991 to be the Head of Textiles at the Australian National University, School of Art. Her work from this time focussed on what it meant to be a Scottish/Australian in this context.