The inaugural Indian Ocean Craft Triennial (IOTA21) is a festival of contemporary craft practice from countries in the Indian Ocean rim. This exciting new event features an extensive program of over 40 exhibitions and workshops all over the State between September and November.

IOTA21 is anchored by a major exhibition, Curiosity and Rituals of the Everyday, spread across the Fremantle Arts Centre and the John Curtin Gallery. Curiosity and Rituals of the Everyday features work by internationally acclaimed practitioners, many of whom have not shown in this country before. The show is an exploration of traditional skills and craft techniques applied to contemporary artworks. Several are created by designers as an extension to their commercial work.

DesignFreo has been given the opportunity to visit the John Curtin Gallery at a special after-hours opening on Wednesday 20 October from 5pm. Visitors will be treated to drinks and expert commentary by the exhibition curators, Carola Akindele-Obe, Jude van der Merwe and Maggie Baxter. The focus will be on the nexus between craft and design. How do both add meaning and richness to everyday life within different cultural and creative contexts?

This is a wonderful show in a beautiful gallery. The event is free, however please register by 18 October for catering purposes.

Image: Left: YEE I-LANN, Harunan Motol 2021 (Boat’s Ladder), Bajau Sami DiLaut pandanus weave with commercial dyes, 488 x 550cm. Woven by Omadal Island Bajau Sama DiLaut weavers, Sabah, Malaysia. Right: YEE I-LANN, Tinukad Sequence #01 2021 (Ridges at the roof of the mouth), split bamboo pus weave with kayu obol black natural dye, matt sealant, 210 x 303cm. Woven by Keningau Dusun weavers, Sabah, Malaysia. Photo: Sue-Lyn Moyle, John Curtin Gallery. IOTA21: Indian Ocean Craft Triennial.