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The crocheted copper wire sculptures and jewellery pieces in Jennifer Hay's latest exhibition blend antique purse frames and found metal parts to evoke surreal and playful devices, often referencing forms in nature like cocoons and insects.

The word "lace" comes from the Latin laceum, derived from laques (noose) and lacere (to entice or ensnare). This exhibition, Enlace is inspired by antique textiles and adornments, such as metallic lace from the 16th century, passmenterie, stomachers, cuffs and collars, with a special focus on Irish crochet lace.

Regrettably, contemporary attitudes towards lace, doilies, and tablecloths often dismiss these intricate crafts, relegating them to op shops where their workmanship and dedication are forgotten. Textile historian Eleana Kanagy-Loux observes:

“While museums display contemporary artists who incorporate domestic textiles as raw materials into their work, thousands of handmade quilts and laces languish in their storage facilities. When will art institutions begin to pay respect to the legacies of our foremothers’ artistry? When will we, as a culture, move beyond rigid hierarchies of value and celebrate domestic crafts in their own right?”

This exhibition also reflects Jennifer's personal connection to lace through her great-grandmother, who emigrated from Ireland to New Zealand in 1877. Her fine crochet hooks, passed down to Jennifer, embody this legacy of endurance and craftsmanship.

Enlace invites you to consider the artistry, history, and enduring legacy of lace, celebrating the intricate beauty and cultural significance of this timeless craft.

Location

Hullabaloo Art Space

15 Melmore Terrace , Old Cromwell Historic Precinct