FourFront
24th November 2012 - 9th March 2013
Craft practice is steaming ahead, with makers increasingly utilising a range of new technology and mechanical processes to make their work. Craftspeople are 3D printing objects of head scratching form, machine cutting intricate detail from almost any material and producing work in the thousands with industrial machines. The FourFront exhibition showcases work from makers who are pulling craft firmly into the 21st century.
The hand-made is often viewed as an integral part of craft production and is often a defining factor when deciding a makers identity, between artist and craftsperson. Is this new movement in craft going to bring to an end making by hand? Or are makers utilising technology in a way which their creativity and involvement is still integral? FourFront puts forward work from a selection of makers, using technology and process in diverse ways.
Manchester Craft and Design Centre have joined forces with Craft Scotland, to showcase this work, from four makers currently at the forefront of the technological craft movement in Scotland. Join us and view work from metalworker Kirsty Eaglesfield, glassmaker Rachel Elliott, and textile and paper artists Eliza Kesuma and Mhari McMullan.
Kate Day, Director of Manchester Craft and Design Centre said: We're thrilled to be promoting the best of Scotland's creative talent in partnership with Craft Scotland, and can't wait to introduce our visitors to a new generation of Scottish makers. FourFront will confound expectations and challenge stereotypes, celebrating artists who embrace new technologies and untraditional sources to create fresh objects that complement an urban setting. The exhibition marks the culmination of our 30th anniversary year, and reflects the Centres role in celebrating craft and design talent from Manchester and beyond.
Emma Walker, CEO of Craft Scotland said: It's fantastic to be working with Manchester Craft and Design Centre, particularly in its 30th year. Having lived in Manchester I am fully aware of the citys creativity, buzz and infectious enthusiasm for craft. The Craft Scotland team are delighted to be showcasing Scottish craft, and particularly the new approaches to work from each of our makers, in Manchester this November.
Want to make with a FourFront maker? Join us for a Full-day Introduction to Modern Paper Cuts & Folds on 2 March 2013. The session will include an introduction to paper cutting, folding and embroidery techniques. See Workshops for more information.
Keep up to date with FourFront news on twitter using the hashtag #fourfront
LAUNCH EVENT INFO:
FourFront Exhibition and Christmas Shopping Launch
Sat 24th of November 2012 | From 2pm |FREE
Family Friendly - try laser-cutting your own Christmas decorations!
Christmas carol singers
Adopt a glass animal from the FourFront exhibition*
* Want to get your hands on a beautiful, water jet-cut animal made by the talented Rachel Elliott? We are giving you the chance to adopt, name and purchase a glass figure at our FourFront launch. When you adopt a figure, we'll let everyone know who you've chosen, by tweeting an image of the both of you together and make sure no-one else gets their mitts on them!
