Sabbia Gallery’s twenty Exhibition Celebrates 20 Years of Innovation in Craft Art
Sabbia Gallery’s anniversary exhibition, twenty, honors its two-decade journey in promoting contemporary craft, with an expansive collection of over 100 pieces. This exhibition presents a dynamic dialogue between glass, ceramics, and fibre, illustrating the gallery’s deep commitment to supporting diverse artistic practices.
While the gallery space is modest in size, spread across three levels, twenty successfully avoids overwhelming visitors. The selection of works presents a fine balance between new creations and timeless pieces, offering insight into the gallery’s influential role in the craft community.
A Broad Spectrum of Artistic Expression
The twenty exhibition brings together works by established and emerging artists, each contributing to the evolving dialogue surrounding contemporary craft. The late Klaus Moje’s glass works greet visitors at the entrance, setting the tone for an exhibition that spans a wide range of materials and techniques. The display of Alfred Lowe’s vibrant pottery alongside the delicate glass sculptures by Kirstie Rae exemplifies the diversity of the gallery’s roster and its deep investment in contemporary craft.
The Relevance of Craft in the Modern Art Landscape
Craft’s fluctuating status in the art world has mirrored the trajectory of Sabbia Gallery itself, with medium-specific movements gaining momentum over time. What once may have been considered niche is now an integral part of the broader art conversation. The resurgence of fibre art, ceramics, and glass has paralleled the gallery’s own evolution, making this exhibition a timely reflection of the importance of craft in contemporary art.
Curated Pairings: A Dialogue Between Mediums
One of the exhibition’s highlights is the thoughtful pairing of works, which explore the relationships between objects. A striking arrangement of Pippin Drysdale’s pottery and Selinda Davidson’s glass piece speaks to the intimate connection between medium and space. Similarly, the juxtaposition of Simone Fraser’s glazed vessel with Jenni Kemarre Martiniello’s glass work creates a dialogue about texture, color, and form.
A Legacy of Collaboration and Innovation
Sabbia’s long-standing relationships with artists are evident in the exhibition, showcasing works from its early exhibitions and highlighting collaborations that have lasted over the years. This is seen in the presence of artists such as Cobi Cockburn, Mel Douglas, and Nick Mount, who were part of the gallery’s inaugural shows.
Why Twenty Matters
In a year marked by major anniversaries for Sydney galleries, including Sullivan + Strumpf, twenty demonstrates the growing recognition of craft as a vital art form. The exhibition offers a comprehensive view of the artists defining contemporary craft practices today, cementing Sabbia Gallery’s place at the forefront of this movement.
