The biennial Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Awards celebrate creativity and excellence in contemporary tapestry. Artists from around the world are invited to submit small-scale hand-woven tapestries that reflect an expressive use of tapestry through materials, concept, colour and design.
In 2024, there were 206 entries from twenty-nine countries, including Mongolia, Chile, Norway, Poland, Ukraine, Sweden, Ecuador, and Mexico, of which 137 finalists were selected and the following winners and commendations chosen.
The winners were be selected by a panel including artists Tai Snaith and Jenna Lee (Gulumerridjin (Larrakia), Wardaman & KarraJarri), and Australian tapestry Workshop Studio Manager Rebecca Jobson.
Anna Dunnill, Gleanings (self-portrait), 2024, silk, hemp, twined cotton, twined wool, waste threads, grass, hair, rice pearls, found metal loop, camellia petal bead, glass beads, tiny stone from Williamstown Beach, cotton warp, 20 × 15cm
Winner of the Kate Derum Award 2024 / Anna Dunnill (AUS), Gleanings (self-portrait), 2024
“This tapestry continues my exploration of ‘gleaning’, the practice of gathering and repurposing things that would otherwise be discarded or overlooked. This requires paying attention to my immediate environment and being alive to the possibilities contained within apparently useless things,” states Dunnill.
“Here, ‘gleaned’ items are trapped within the body of the tapestry, suggesting tidelines of flotsam; an accumulation of things gathered from around me. These include thread waste from my studio (some loose and some twined into string), found and made beads, grass, hair. These gleanings, carefully selected and arranged, form a kind of map of myself. They take on an aura of preciousness, jewels made from rubbish.
“The addition of asymmetrical loops around the tapestry’s edges, and a dangling bead adornment, open up the tapestry plane, allowing it to extend outwards.”
“I found this work both poetic and powerful. The intensely private and personal scale, and the tiny personal touches like the beads and the button-hole loops spoke of care, deep thought and love. It is undeniably feminist in its intentions, yet quiet and confident, not needing to yell to stand out . . . I absolutely love it.”
– Snaith.
Misako Nakahira, LINES#Y, 2024 wool, cotton, embroidery thread, 36.7 × 35.2cm
Highly Commended, Kate Derum Award / Misako Nakahira (JPN), LINES#Y, 2024
Manjari Murugesan, Loom-mate, 2024, cotton, wool, human hair, 19 × 27cm
Winner of the Irene Davies Award / Manjari Murugesan (IND), Loom-mate, 2024
“This tapestry gives you a peek into my life in a cozy 10×15 ft rented room. I envision having my own studio one day, but the practicality of affording it was challenging. I did not want to wait to get a bigger loom. So, I brought the loom to me, right next to my bed. This tapestry captures my everyday hustle – I wake up, hop onto my loom, surrounded by yarn galore. Space is tight, but I’ve found my groove, figuring out ways to make it work. My room’s essence is in this rectangle – I live, sleep, and weave here. They call me the girl who snoozes next to her loom. It’s a quirky blend of work and life, all in one room,” states Murugesan.
“This work warmed my heart! The authentic nature, humour and humble attitude of the piece was endearing and applaudable. Rare to find something funny, aesthetically pleasing and earnest all at once. I love the way it acts as a self portrait of the life of an artist at the beginning of their career.”
– Snaith
Tony Busch, Termite study, 2024, hand-dyed jute cotton warp, 40 x 40cm
Highly Commended, Irene Davies Award / Tony Busch, Termite study, 2024
Visit the Australian Tapestry Workshop website for further commendations and a complete list of 2024 finalists.
austapestry.com.au
