Collapsed Ecologies brings together past artists in residence and introduces ATW audiences to new contemporary artists working in textiles.

These artists address ecological and environmental issues through textiles and experimental objects. From hand spun cotton to animal skins, lush synthetic fibres and porcelain clay – their use also illuminates our precarious relationship with the world around us in an age of climate crisis and the resulting threat to our ecological systems.

Consideration for our materials and their environmental footprint is at the core of the ATW’s production - from the provenance and quality of the wool and cotton, sourced from Victorian farms and the post-production wool waste which is carefully saved and reused. Like these artists, we aim to create work that is meaningful and everlasting, championing the Earth’s finite resources that are required in artmaking.

Through weaving, tapestry, embroidery, embellishment, ceramics and 3D printing, Collapsed Ecologies reflects some of the collective anxieties around ecological and ethical issues and encourages optimism for the future.

This exhibition features the work of: Alterfact Studio, Ana Teresa Barboza (PERU), Troy Emery, Caro Pattle and Aliki van der Kruijs (NLD)

'Collapsed Ecologies' is generously supported by Creative Victoria, City of Port Phillip, Melbourne Design Week, Elgee Park.

Melbourne Design Week and the Victorian Design Program are initiatives of the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria