Paired: Woven Forms by Wendy Golden
11 February 2012 to 18 March 2012
In Wendy Golden's basketry practice vessels, sculptural work and large-scale installations all have a place. The artist finds inspiration in the materials she uses and the environment in which they are found. Research into indigenous and introduced plants has been an integral part of her work. In addition to responding to the natural world, the artist has also created woven forms and vessels using manufactured materials such as plastic monofilament and copper wire.
'Paired: Woven Forms by Wendy Golden' focuses on the artist's ongoing exploration of the spatial relationships between objects. and within this framework, offers an insight into the diversity of the artist's recent creative output. Of her interest in pairs, the artist writes: "The constant repetition found in nature is replicated in the very process of making when using basketry techniques. My work is frequently formed using two strands of material to twine (this technique is called 'pairing' in cane work) and is a constant reminder of the importance of plural elements everywhere. I often design a second piece sharing perhaps an idea or materials or similar techniques to complement the first. This can give me the opportunity to alter slightly or improve upon the first piece. As in life, a second piece can give support and strength and make a stronger statement."
Wendy Golden has been a basketmaker since the 1980s. She became a member of the Basketmakers of Victoria in 1990s, where she has been active as a member, exhibition coordinator and tutor. She has created large-scale sculptural installations at fibre events across Australia and has led major community arts projects. She has exhibited widely in solo and group exhibitions including the major survey of Australian basketry, 'Woven Forms', an Object Gallery exhibition launched in 2005 and touring nationally. More recently she was represented in the "Basketry of Today' group exhibition, curated by Virginia Kaiser in 2010 for Katoomba Fine Art, NSW. Wendy writes a regular basketry column for Textile Fibre Forum magazine. For more information, visit the website: http://www.wendygolden.com
'Paired: Woven Forms by Wendy Golden' will be officially opened jointly with 'Douglas Fuchs' Floating Forest: 30th anniversary exhibition' on Friday 17 February 2012 at 6pm. The opening will be preceded by a free artist's talk by Wendy Golden at 5pm.
'Paired: Woven Forms by Wendy Golden' is presented as part of a program of basketry events presented by Ararat Regional Art Gallery in February and March 2012, which includes the 30th anniversary presentation of Douglas Fuchs' monumental basketry-based installation, 'Floating Forest', presented in partnership with the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney. In addition to this exhibition, Wendy's involvement in this program includes her presentation of an intensive residential workshop at the historic Allanvale Homestead Shearers' Quarters, near Great Western. The workshop will be presented from 17 and 19 February 2012. Places are limited to 15 people. To register your interest and for more information contact Ararat Regional Art Gallery on (03) 5352 2836 or gallery@ararat.vic.gov.au