Knit one, purl one

A recent resurgence of traditional craft has meant that knitting and crochet have enjoyed a huge increase in popularity. Through its accessibility and affordability, the relative ease, satisfaction and mobility of knitting is an attraction for some. For others it is a rebellion against mass market culture, a creative way to express individuality or a retreat from a technology saturated society.

A new exhibition at Touchstones Rochdale captures what’s going on with contemporary knitting and crochet, the range of work being produced by key artists working with yarn and the possibilities of what can be created from it.

In the gallery space Shane Waltener‘s Another World Wide Web, knitted in elastic, has been installed highlighting the architectural features of the ceiling, drawing the viewer’s attention to features that might otherwise be overlooked.

Elizabeth Smith’s work Though I Sang in my Chains like the Sea suspended from the ceiling and trailing to the floor in muted shades of felted Shetland wool and mohair loop yarn is a contemplative piece referencing the sea and its organic forms.

Freddie Robins’ pieces Forewarned and Forearmed, on loan from Nottingham Castle Museum collection, play on the words ‘fore’ and ‘four’, with four knitted sleeves in each piece, distorting the idea of knitting something wearable and questioning physical normality.

Other artists include Rachael Matthews who brings her Relics of an Awesome Picnic complete with rug, Karl-Christian Geleff’s steel wool knitted child-size jumper playing on the idea of opposites and Anita Bruce’s delicate, crocheted specimens of marine life based on the drawings of Ernst Haeckel.

An animation for Canadian band ‘Tricot Machine’ made using knitted stills by Lysanne Latulippe is on display together with some of the stills and another unusual use of knitting can be heard in ArtYarn’s Knitting Orchestra.

Sophie Horton’s flashing three dimensional drawing features in the exhibition itself and she has also created a specially commissioned piece Front Cover inspired by camouflage linked to an object on display in the Museum.

Also look out for flying ducks on the staircase by Claire Platt.

The artists featured in the exhibition have taken knitting and crochet to another level, a valid art form in its own right, rather than just a functional handicraft.

The exhibition runs from 1 May to 4 July 2010 and admission is free.