Circles of Life

Image: Pinetree (2019), Tammy Kanat, courtesy of NGV Australia.

The NGV Australia gallery is currently showing an exhibition of four works by Melbourne-based artist Tammy Kanat, called Circles of Life. Kanat’s recent work has focused on tapestries woven around an oval-shaped copper frame. Presenting an innovative transition from traditional warp-and-weft weaving – where vertical threads (the warp) are held in a loom, while other threads (the weft) are woven sideways through them – Kanat’s technique utilises a circular form, often associated with unity, inclusion, wholeness and infinity.

The works were commissioned by the NGV and represent Kanat’s key thematic concerns. Throughout her career, Kanat has explored the representation of natural forms in tapestry – the concentric circles in these four works recall cut agate, living coral and aerial landscape scenes. Her work is also informed by an interest in colour theory, rare Japanese colour dictionaries, and the work of Bauhaus textile artist Gunta Stolzl and modernist artists such as Sonia Delaunay.

Image: Harp (2019), Tammy Kanat, courtesy of NGV Australia.

Formerly a jewellery designer, Kanat began working with textiles in 2011, enrolling in the Australian Tapestry Workshop to learn tapestry weaving. Her 2014 exhibition, “The Spirit”, consisted of hand-woven wall art, vessels and sculptures which established her as an intuitive and original textile artist. Kanat has gained recognition through social media for her vibrant uplifting work and has produced commissions for local and international clients.

Image: Nurture (2019), Tammy Kanat, courtesy of NGV Australia.

Kanat collaborated with MECCA Brands for its 2019 Holiday collection, inspired by a shared love of art, textile, design and colour. Now in its fourth year, this partnership sees MECCA Brands founder and managing director, Jo Horgan, support the NGV to acquire works by Australian female contemporary artists for the NGV Collection.

Circles of Life is on show until 29 March 2020. For more information visit www.ngv.vic.gov.au