Craft Victoria announces new exhibition Material Language 

Craft Victoria presents Material Language – an exhibition recognising three exceptional craft-based practitioners Joungmee Do, Nadège Desgenétez and Prue Venables from September 28 to November 9. 

The exhibition honours the artists’ decorated careers, their astute material knowledge and their sheer dedication to their craft, honed over decades of practice. 

The globally renowned, Australian-based artists are specialist practitioners and highly regarded in the mediums of metalwork and jewellery, ceramics and glass, respectively. 

Each artist has exhibited extensively in Australia and internationally, all receiving major awards and are held by significant public and private collections

“The three artists featured in Material Language have each crafted their own unique narrative over decades of dedication to a singular material,” executive director of Craft Victoria Nicole Durling told CBD News.

This exhibition showcases our enduring commitment to feature exceptional and inspirational work, with a focus on leading female craft and design practitioners.

Each artist has been recognised for their works both locally and around the world, praised for their exceptional skills and creativity, and Ms Durling said their pieces blended traditional craft techniques with modern concepts.

“Clay, glass, and metal could all be considered humble materials, but in the hands of these three individuals, they are elevated beyond their elemental simplicity,” she said. 

“Their work inspires a sense of awe through their skill and technique, as well as their deep knowledge and relationship with the material.” 

The display features key works from each artist’s career, including recent pieces recognising their accomplishments while also highlighting their artistic development.

Material Language is the first in a series of exhibitions presented by Craft Victoria to honour leaders and influencers in the field of craft and design, and notably in this exhibition, the outstanding achievements of women artists. 

The series will feature artists who have made significant contributions to Australian craft and design, applauding lifelong practice and the power of passion, grit and perseverance. 

Craft Victoria’s exhibition series honouring master craft-based practitioners and artists will continue in 2025.

Material Language will be open in the Watson Place gallery from Saturday, September 28. •