Category: Art
King Silver gorilla by David Mach.
Power of Making opens today for four month stint in The Porter Gallery at the V&A and it's an absolute must see for anyone working with their hands, or inspired by those who do. Put together in conjunction with the Crafts Council and curated by Daniel Charny, the exhibition aims to showcase just how inspirational the world of making can be. From a ginormous gorilla made out of wire coathangers to tiny intricate false eyeballs, the Power of Making displays the diverse way in which humans have learnt to create. Many different skills are celebrated, with particular emphasis on innovative use of new and old materials. Best of all the exhibition is free.
Of course there are a host of events taking place during the exhibition. Here's my pick of the best:
Crafting the Collection: Saturday 17th September, 11am-4pm
Free
Learn how to create colourful knitted creatures and cross-stitch animal patterns.
Bespoke Bicycles: Saturday 15th October, 10.30am-4.30pm
£63, £50.50 concessions
Customise your bike as you learn how to strip down a saddle, cushion its frame and reinvent your ride using leather. Led by Amber Heptinstal.
Power of Making Symposium: Friday 9th December
£45, £35 concessions
As the loss of skill threatens long established cultural practices, leading makers and theorists including Nina Tolstrup, Martino Gamper and Bre Pettis examine the expertise and innovation demonstrated in contemporary creative production and new ways of working.
Christopher Frayling and Grayson Perry: Friday 9th December, 7-9pm
£9, £6 concessions
Hear the celebrated artist in discussion with the author of Craft, as they debate the nature of craft today.
Make sure you read my whole review of the Power of Making too.