Toward Abstraction

In the same way modern art signalled a shift away from realism and narrative toward abstraction, modern quilting represents a move away from the rules, aesthetics, patterns and fabrics of traditional quilting – instead favouring self-expression and a willingness to experiment. W

ith current restrictions on travel and opportunities to exhibit internationally limited, Toward Abstraction gives the participating artists a chance to have their work shown locally this year and aims to contribute to the concept of modern quilts as art. While the exhibition was born from the constraints of a global pandemic, it is often through limitations or boundaries that our creativity is liberated.

The quilts on show embody aspects that are typical of the genre including improvisation, use of negative space, asymmetry, bold use of colour and exaggerated scale, executed with a fearlessness that epitomises an Australian approach. As a group, the participating artists have works held in public and private collections as well as having taught, exhibited, published and won awards internationally.