Exhibition: Symbiosis

The South East British Tapestry Group is holding their third exhibition of contemporary
woven tapestries.

The exhibition is at Hastings Arts Forum from The Mill House Gallery in a tower mill built in the 1820’s on Highdown Hill, Angmering, West Sussex.

Dates:  25th March- 4th April 2016.
Open: Tues – Sun 11.00- 17.00

In the year that Hastings is commemorating the 950 year anniversary of the Battle of Hastings with the Root 1066 International Festival of contemporary arts, it is appropriate that the British Tapestry Group brings woven tapestry to the town that is so closely connected with the embroidery called ‘The Bayeux Tapestry’.

This year the theme of the exhibition is Symbiosis. Each weaver shows their personal interpretation in their tapestry weaving, resulting in a diverse and inventive collection of work, some taking the natural world as inspiration others focus on the way that ideas interact in warp and weft.

For press invitations to the Private Views or other enquiries please contact Lin Squires on
0780 160 7286 or by email lin@weaversbazaar.com

For opportunities to see demonstrations of tapestry weaving see www.hastingsartsforum.co.uk

About the British Tapestry Group:
The British Tapestry Group (BTG) promotes and explores the concept of woven tapestry as a contemporary art form. By raising public awareness through its exhibitions and regional activities, the BTG showcases the combination of craftsmanship and artistic inspiration that is translated into woven pieces.
The British Tapestry Group welcomes professional UK and international tapestry weavers as well as supporting those who are starting on their weaving journey.

Tapestry Weaving:
Tapestry weaving is an ancient art form that has been practised since early history and has continued to evolve into the computer age of the 21st century. It is slow art in a fast-paced society. Technical ability is combined with artistic inspiration to produce unique insights that are translated into weavings. The contemporary tapestries in this exhibition respect the traditions and techniques of the past but push the boundaries to create woven art that is of our time. Materials and process are important, with artists utilising the textural and reflective qualities of a range of materials including wool, silk, linen, cotton, paper, nettle and found objects.
In the year that Hastings is commemorating the 950 year anniversary of the Battle of Hastings with the Root 1066 International Festival of contemporary arts, it is appropriate that the British Tapestry Group brings woven tapestry to the town that is so closely connected with the embroidery called ‘The Bayeux Tapestry’.

Hastings Arts Forum:
Hastings Arts Forum is a registered charity and members’ organisation working to support the arts locally and regionally. We provide professional exhibition space at the Gallery at Hastings Arts Forum for all our members to exhibit their work. It is located in part of the iconic 1936 Grade-11 listed Modernist apartment block, Marina Court and an earlier Burtons’ St Leonards building.

With a growing membership, the opportunity to exhibit is offered to a considerable number of arts and crafts practitioners at all levels. The Forum funds itself through membership fees, hiring out the gallery space, modest commissions from the sale of artworks, fundraising events and donations. The two interconnecting galleries are lit by natural light bouncing off the sea and a blended state-of-the-art LED lighting system.

Hastings Arts Forum is pleased to welcome the British Tapestry Group for a second showing of the exhibition Symbiosis. www.hastingsartsforum.co.uk

myrtleart:
myrtleart is an online and occasionally-physical gallery specifically for contemporary tapestry, based in East Sussex, where it is possible to purchase large and small examples of some of the best new woven tapestry from a broad range of artists.

It was borne out of a shared passion for contemporary tapestry weaving by co-owners Matty Smith and Lin Squires, who are themselves both tapestry weavers and owners of weaversbazaar – a supply company for fibre artists. Matty and Lin are both committed to finding ways to facilitate the growth of tapestry weaving as a contemporary art form and as such are delighted to sponsor this exhibition.

Text and Images: The South East Tapestry Group