Niomi Sands, Grafton Regional Gallery Director will talk about her recent exhibition Finding the lost.
Over the past six years, Niomi has been trawling through lost property collections, uncovering somewhat quirky gems that represent our everyday lives and the exhibition explores these objects. Niomi meticulously recreates these collections in thread and paper. The hand-sewn line becomes a ghostly outline, and the cross-stitched motif transforms into an abstract study of the lost objects. The use of thread and the technique of sewing are ever-present aspects of our everyday lives, literally holding together the fabric that we clothe ourselves in. Sewing is present in our home and work; it can be recreational or domestic; and it is it is traditionally a feminine pursuit.
This exhibition is the final instalment of Niomi’s doctoral research project, which included a selection of works previously exhibited in three solo exhibitions: Where the lost things go (2019), Grey Street Gallery QCA A few things (2017), Byron School of Art Project Space, Mullumbimby; and lost and found (2016) Depot II Gallery, @ Dank Street, Sydney, alongside a number of new works. Found objects are a reference point for Niomi’s work and imply associations related to memory and experience. The ephemeral qualities of the materials used in the work re-contextualise everyday objects, evoking reflection. These objects are often repeated and scaled up or down, which creates focus on often overlooked domestic objects.
Find yourself at the Grafton Regional Gallery and meet some Friends. Members of FoGG support the gallery and financially support the Jacaranda Acquisitive Drawing Award. Wednesday March 16 at 10.30am. Entry is free and refreshments can be purchased from Rubony’s Café at the Gallery 158 Fitzroy Street Grafton. Booking is essential from Eventbrite