3rd May 2008 - 13th July 2008
Turning the traditional basket into a contemporary collector’s piece. The National Craft Gallery introduces traditional, functional and sculptural work by some of Europe’s most important basketmakers.
Curated by Mary Butcher and Joe Hogan
Featuring work by almost 80 basketmakers, this inspiring showcase displays the diversity of wonderful baskets being created all over Europe. Visitors to the gallery will see how the work varies hugely from country to country, as do the materials.
Basketmakers in countries like France, Germany, Ireland and England use willow, in Scandinavia they use birch while towards the Alps, the artists use sweet chestnut that grows on mountain slopes. Some of the traditional pieces on show will surprise: In the northwest of Spain, where the climate is wet, field rushes are used to make waterproof shepherd’s cloaks that have been used for generations.
Curators Joe Hogan (Ire) and Mary Butcher (UK) are passionate about exposing people to these wonderful, age-old techniques. “Sadly, when the old basket makers die, so too will their traditional baskets,” says Hogan. “ But as well as looking back, we are focussing on cutting edge contemporary work and that space in between, which most basketmakers inhabit, creating professional, functional baskets.”
European Baskets will also include a catalogue which will be a substantial historical record of the work. This beautiful book will be very much part of the exhibition; putting all of the work in context and recording the history of basketmaking througout Europe. The historical aspect of the exhibition will be of interest to many and, of course, there will be plenty of visitors eager to see just how functional, beautiful and covetable a beautifully crafted basket can be.
As well as the exhibition itself, visitors will have the opportunity to see some of Europe’s leading practitioners at work. On Saturday May 17 and Sunday May 18, the Irish Basketmakers Association are holding their AGM to co-incide with the exhibition. There will be a full programme of events, including workshops, demonstrations and talks by visiting basketmakers.
European Baskets runs from May 03 to July 13.
The National Craft Gallery is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sundays 11am to 6pm. Admission is free.
National Craft Gallery, Crafts Council of Ireland, Castleyard, Kilkenny
Tel: 00 353 (0)56 7761804 Fax: 00 353 (0) 7763754 Email: ncg@ccoi.ie
| Exhibition documents |
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European Baskets Press Release
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