Obsessed: Compelled to make extended for another six weeks

Ararat Gallery TAMA has found a silver lining in lockdown with the Obsessed: Compelled to make, ADC on Tour’ exhibition here to stay in Ararat for another six weeks.

Mayor Jo Armstrong said the extension would give more visitors the chance to see the exhibition.

“We’re truly privileged to have a top-class institution like Ararat Gallery TAMA that supports access to art and culture and continues to deliver engaging art experiences like the Obsessed: Compelled to make exhibition," Cr Armstrong said.

“As the Gallery reopens this week, it’s a delight to continue hosting such a unique exhibition. Audiences can uncover what drives each of the artists, exploring their motivation, persistence and talent to create art.

“If you haven’t already visited the Gallery to see Obsessed: Compelled to make I strongly encourage all to take the opportunity to explore the exhibit while we still have it.”

Accomplished artist Liz Williamson’s work ‘Shadow Loops’ is included among the 15 Australian artists currently on display as part of the exhibit.

Ms Williamson has a strong connection to the Ararat Gallery where she exhibited her first ever piece of work within the Miniatures exhibition in 1983 and again with her Living Treasures exhibition in 2010.

“As the gallery has an extensive collection, TAMA plays a really important role in terms of presenting contemporary textiles in this country,” said Ms Williamson.

“Obsessed: compelled to make, presents a very interesting way at looking at craft design practice by thinking about why we make and the materials we used – the curators did a great job of teasing out different ideas about and behind the work.

“One of the strengths of the exhibition is that it gives insights into established practitioners. In the exhibition, you not only see the finished work, but you also see the making process.

“For people who have interest in making such as creating a pot or weaving, it’s important for them to see where their interest could lead to – there are careers in craft.”

Liz’s ‘Shadows Loop’ series is made from natural materials and captures the hidden beauty and natural aesthetic of the local environment. The work is woven from naturally dyed fabric into tonally coloured, irregularly repeated and randomly patterned panels reminiscent of historical handmade quilts or rag rugs, it reflects on the environment while evoking associations to domestic tasks, making do, re-use and the repurposing of textiles and garments.

“When I first learnt to weave, I experimented a lot with natural and traditional dyes.

“The Shadow series started when I explored the idea of protection, and the piece draws together a couple of strands from my practice. The idea of creating a protective base and within the woven strip, creating a circular structure that surrounds a figure or object,” she concluded.

Obsessed: Compelled to make now closes on Sunday, 5 September 2021 at Ararat Gallery TAMA.

For more information on Obsessed: Compelled to make, visit www.araratgallerytama.com.au or call 03 5355 0220.