Plate Finds
“Plate Finds” is an exhibition by Sligo artist Alison Hunter. These new works are a continuation of Alison’s explorations of found broken tableware. Works are of cultural significance which displays respect for our heritage. Everything is interlaced and related by materials used, form, and/or story. Life has been reinstilled into old broken tableware by creating a new function for the piece as art. Felted wool is used to replace the missing parts. Working with wool felt the pieces are given a softness and contrast well with the coolness and smooth texture of the original plate. The old and new parts are easily distinguishable.
“If something is broken or damaged I don’t think its life is over, maybe its original function can not be used anymore but a new purpose as an art piece to be admired can be achieved. In this way, old memories are preserved and it lives on to create new memories.”
Pattern elements have been taken out of context, exaggerated, and displayed in new ways. Early Delft style tiles featuring Irish fauna have been reimagined in wool felt. Alison has used broken plate fragments/chaneys which she has found in ploughed fields and arranged these in a way in which together is more. The exhibition also explores popular pattern designs and allows us to pause and look while we remember memories and people through plates and ceramics.
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This Exhibition is supported by the Sligo Artist’s Network with funding by Creative Ireland programe (Sligo) 2018-2022