THE OHIO CRAFT MUSEUM Presents:
Contemporary South African Studio Jewelry And Quilts by South African Artist Odette Tolksdorf
September 12–October 31, 2010
(Columbus, Ohio)—Contemporary jewelry designs by 20 South African artists will be presented in “Dichotomies in Objects: Contemporary South African Studio Jewelry from the Stellenbosch Area,” opening September 12 at the Ohio Craft Museum. On view through October 31, the exhibition focuses on artists associated with the University of Stellenbosch. Working “within a complex political, social and economic context,” South African jewelers “often express a feeling of isolation from the global metalsmithing community,” note curators Lauren Kalman and Carine Terreblanche.
“Though many South African studio jewelers look toward European aesthetics and methodologies, there is a connection to South Africa that seems to permeate their forms,” they continue. “European traditions become hybridized with the heritage of indigenous African adornment, regional landscape and the commercial jewelry industry. The platinum and diamonds that are mined locally are a major part of the jewelry design vocabulary.” The exhibition is sponsored by the Society of North American Goldsmiths, Stellenbosch University, the National Research Foundation and Anglo Platinum.
Shown in conjunction with this exhibition will be contemporary quilts by South African artist Odette Tolksdorf. Living in Durban, a city on the east coast of South Africa, Tolksdorf creates art quilts that “have often been influenced by the multi-layered African environment and by other personal experiences,” she comments. “In my work, the formal elements of design are always important. I find the relationships and contrasts between shapes, lines, colors and textures endlessly fascinating.”
Both exhibitions open on Sunday, September 12, with a reception from 1 to 4 p.m. During the reception, fiber artist Wendy Kendrick will lead “No-Sew Memory Quilts,” a Hand in Hand parent/child workshop. From 1 to 2:30 pm, children and their favorite adult will create a fused-fabric quilt square inspired by vacation memories. The workshop is offered free of charge with support from Arlington Bank. Pre-registration is required. Telephone (614) 486-4402.
On Sunday, October 10, from 1 to 4 p.m., polymer clay artist and author Debbie Jackson will present “South African Pendants,” a CraftView Afternoon workshop for teens and adults. Using polymer clay and seed beads, participants will create colorful pendants inspired by the bead embroidery of the Ndebele people of South Africa. Fee: $12; ODC members, $10. Space is limited. Telephone (614) 486-4402 to register.
The Ohio Craft Museum receives ongoing funding from the Ohio Arts Council, the Greater Columbus Arts Council and the Columbus Foundation. The museum is located at 1665 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43212. Hours are Monday–Friday, 10 A.M.–5 P.M.; and Saturday–Sunday, 1–4 P.M., during exhibitions only. Admission and parking are free. For further information, telephone (614) 486-4402; or see our website at www.ohiocraft.org.