It’s hard to find a singular word to describe Tammy Kanat’s works. The Melbourne-based fibre artist specialises in large-scale compositions, informed by her start as a jewellery designer, but the practice has evolved into something truly her own.
Exploring the intersection of colour, rhythm and balance and how these elements balance each other out, each piece is a unique creation. And now you can see some of her most ambitious works to date, all in one place.
Tammy Kanat: Circle of Her is a new solo exhibition at the Jewish Museum of Australia that transforms the museum’s intimate gallery space with seven immersive, large-scale sculptures.
Curated by Esther Gyorki, the exhibition draws on female archetypes – matriarchs, muses and ancestral spirits – such as Lilith, Miriam, Sarah and Ruth. It honours their memory while exploring themes of spiritual renewal, cultural belonging and intergenerational connection. It honours their memory while exploring themes of feminine renewal, cultural belonging and intergenerational connection.
The sculptures also pay tribute to the women in Kanat’s own life, including her mother, daughter, sister, friends and fellow artists, celebrating the circle of women who have nurtured, shaped and inspired the artist. To that end, Circle of Her paints family, community and sisterly relationships as important threads in the tapestry of a woman’s life. An original soundscape composed by her brother Grant Blashki, in collaboration with Gidi Ifergan, complement her sculptures.
It’s the latest Eva & Marc Besen Contemporary Artist Commission to be presented at the museum. Accompanying the exhibition is a new publication by Dr Paola Di Trocchio, former curator at the National Gallery of Victoria, with contributions from leading voices in design, art and curation.
There’s also a diverse program of artist talks, guided meditations, school holiday weaving workshops and music events. Kanat and Gyorki will be speaking in conversationat the Museum on September 21, with a weaving workshop for kids taking place over the school holidays on September 30.
This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with the Jewish Museum of Australia.
