Please join us for the opening of the exhibitions Vessels of Dialogue, Fragile Structures: The Architecture of Decay, Correspondence + Dwell.

About the Opening | Thursday 30 July

Official Opening + Artist Talks | In the Gallery, from 5:30pm

About the Exhibitions

Exhibition Title | Vessels of Dialogue
Artist | Sarit Cohen

Exhibition Statement

Vessels of Dialogue is an exhibition of ceramics exploring architectural moments shaped by the artist's memories. Influenced by a nuanced understanding of the Bauhaus and the Decorative Arts movement of the early 20th century, the exhibition features whimsical sculptural vessels and objects. Beguiling forms made from delicate porcelain clay draw the eye to ‘lines’ that both reinforce the linear rhythms of the forms or conversely subvert their practicality. The use of a minimal palette, a reduced colour scheme and simple shapes offer a sense of calm and serenity.

Exhibition Title | Fragile Structures: The Architecture of Decay

Artists | Fran Romano + Madeline Cardone

Exhibition Statement

This exhibition is a collaboration between visual artists Madeline Cardone and Fran Romano. Working in glass and ceramics respectively, the artists share an overlapping conceptual and material language. Both are fascinated by the built environment, exploring ruins, decay, voids and architectural phenomenology through the deconstruction and reconstruction of space. They share a common cultural heritage that informs their practices and strengthens this collaboration.

Both artists have recently been exploring abstraction of form and space in a sculptural context. Ceramics and glass have common material properties, and both artists work in processes that seek to highlight and challenge the dualities inherent in these materials, notions of strength, fragility, permanence and transience. They explore the qualities of each material that are unexpected, highlighting the process of discovery in the outcome of the works.

Through an architectural lens, the artists explore how space is articulated, divided or transformed by materiality to invite reflection. Notions of stillness and contemplation are integral to both practices. The act of contemplation connects us to time's continuum and shapes how we relate to and encounter our environments past and present.

This body of sculptural work encompasses a collection of wall, plinth and floor based pieces. The works emphasise the tactility and surface qualities of the materials, encouraging viewers to enter the space and interact with the works themselves, experiencing a sense of structure and void. The artists aim to create an enveloping, comforting and private space within a space, mirroring the experience of entering an architectural environment.

Exhibition Title | Correspondence

Artist | Jude Muduioa

Exhibition Statement

Correspondence continues Jude’s interest in accumulation as both a making process and a way of thinking. Each element is formed by hand before becoming part of a larger whole, where no single component dominates.

The restrained surface allows form, light and shadow to take precedence, drawing attention to the rhythm, detail and quiet complexity of the work.

The process is slow and deliberate, valuing patience, care and sustained making.

Exhibition Title | Dwell

Artist | Suzanne Knight

Exhibition Statement

Dwell presents a body of tapestry weavings that explores the intertwined histories of migration, settlement and ecological change.

Shaped as discarded plastic bottles, these woven forms examine the ways introduced plants, materials and settler traditions have become embedded within Australian landscapes, while reflecting on the layered relationships between domestic life, consumer culture and environmental transformation.

Accessibility at the Venue

We aim to make our programs accessible to everyone. We welcome people of all abilities, ages, backgrounds and identities.

Craft + Design Canberra is accessible via a lift at the building entrance with step free access through the exhibition and workshop spaces.

Seating is available at all events and workshops.

An accessible all gender bathroom is available via a heavy fire door.

Assistance animals are welcome throughout the venue.

Free tickets are available for Companion Card holders. You will have the option to add a companion ticket at checkout.

Please note that our retail space is currently restricted and does not provide a full 1500mm x 1500mm turning circle.

If you have any questions about the venue or accessibility needs, please contact us on (02) 6262 9333. Read more about accessibility and planning your visit https://craftanddesigncanberra.org/pages/accessibility

Image | Top Fran Romano Emerge 2023 and Bottom Madeline Cardone Eminence in black 2025 | Photography Top by Andrew Sikorsky + Bottom by Brenton McGeachie

Contact the host of Exhibition Opening + Artist Talks | Vessels of Dialogue | Fragile Structures: The Architecture of Decay | Correspondence | Dwell