In 2014, the Manitoba Craft Council (MCC) and the Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library (MCML) are teaming up to present Backspace Forward, a Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Craft. As the title suggests, work included in Backspace Forward will play in the interstices of time, drawing on historical craft traditions and techniques and teasing out their relevance and potential for contemporary art and craft making. Anchoring the exhibition are 12 historical works from the Museum’s collection – pieces selected by MCC/MCML members through an online voting process.
Craft artists and artisans of Manitoba are invited to use one (or more) of these craft works as a springboard for your own creative production in the coming months. Click here to find images and descriptions of the works. You can click on any image to enlarge it.
Backspace Forward will represent approximately fifteen craft artists who reside in Manitoba and whose work pushes the boundaries of their media and reflects a fresh approach to cultural and material traditions. Works will be chosen based on artistic merit (technical skill, formal effect, and conceptual success) and on the quality of their connection to pieces from the historical collection. Original works that encompass new technologies, are performative, reflect a d-i-y ethic, challenge preconceived notions of craft, or are deeply rooted in traditional approaches to craft are equally welcome. Works that employ traditional craft techniques in new ways or reference craft as the subject matter will also be considered.
Jurors
Carole Epp (SK), ceramic artist and creator of the popular Musing about Mud website dedicated to promoting ceramics in North America;
Eric Lesage (MB), craft artist and Artistic Director of La Maison des Artistes;
Willow Rector (MB), textile artist.
Exhibition dates and venues
Quarry Park Heritage Arts Centre, Stonewall, MB
August-September 2014
Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library, Winnipeg
September-November 2014
Eligible works
Works will be selected based on artistic merit, skill, design, innovation and relationship to historical works selected for this exhibition. Original work (functional, decorative, conceptual) in any craft-based media are welcome (e.g.ceramic, fibre, metal, paper, recycled material, stone, glass and wood). In addition, mixed media and interdisciplinary works that are primarily craft-based in material and/or technique are welcome. Eligible works must have been completed after July 2012 and may not have been exhibited in previous Manitoba Craft Council exhibitions. Three entries per person, maximum. Entrants must be current Manitoba Craft Council or Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library members.
Images
The jurors will select work based on digital images with the final selection subject to viewing actual work. Applicants are encouraged to consider using a professional photographer to document your work. Please submit application by email. Use jpeg files with a resolution of 300 dpi, with images’ approx. 4 x 6 inches. For each work, submit one image with a full view of the work and one or two detail views. Please title each image file as follows: artist’s last name_title_full/detail
(eg. Poirier_Moonscape_detail2) The maximum number of images allowed is nine (9).
Application
Please include the following information along with your images:
– Your name, mailing address, phone number and email address
– Image list including the title, date, media, dimensions and price/value of each work submitted (3 works max.)
– Artist statement (100 words max.) In addition, please include 2-3 sentences indicating which historical piece your work references and how you were is inspired by it.
All applicants will be notified of initial results by June 13, 2014. Final selection will be based on viewing the actual work. Artist fees will be paid for works selected for the exhibition.
Applications will be accepted via email at submissions@localhost:8888. Please put “Backspace Forward Application-Your Last Name” in the subject line and attach images.
Questions about the exhibition or membership?
Contact Manitoba Craft Council’s Programme Coordinator (Tammy) at 204.946.0803 or submissions@localhost:8888
Contact Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library Curator (Andrea) at 204.487.6117 or [email protected]
