“Echoes of Renewal” is a profound exploration of the cyclical nature of existence through textile art. Featuring the innovative work of textile designer and screen printer, Michelle Kistima-Menser and textile artist, Lynn Pavey, the exhibition invites viewers to contemplate the intricate chemistry between decay and renewal.
The exhibition invites audiences to examine the concepts of deterioration, death and triumphant rebirth — a narrative that transcends time and resonates with our contemporary experiences.
Both artists employ a rich tapestry of techniques to explore this theme. Through intricate weaves, rich textures and disrupted patterns, their work captures the essence of impermanence and transformation. Their use of a palette that ranges from muted tones to vibrant, earthy hues reflects the duality of decay and renewal, providing a visual dialogue on the beauty found in both the weathered and the reborn.
Michelle Kistima-Menser, renowned for her textile designs and screen printing skills under her fabric label YOU ARE BRAVE Textiles, returns to her fine art roots with this highly anticipated exhibition. After a 27-year hiatus from gallery exhibitions, Kistima-Menser shares her renewed artistic vision, inspired by her experiences as an art teacher and gallery curator. "For many years since leaving art school, I was disillusioned with the art world," she reflects. "But in recent years, I’ve been buoyed by the affirmative spirits I’ve encountered. I’ve found I have something to say again."
Joining her is Lynn Pavey, whose passion for textiles and frugality is deeply rooted in her matriarchal heritage. Pavey’s diverse career in fashion, clothing technology, and horticulture has shaped her exploration of color, texture, form, and functionality. Her commitment to transforming discarded materials into revitalized textile works highlights a profound connection to history and a dedication to environmental harmony.
"Echoes of Renewal" offers a unique opportunity to witness how these two artists interpret the dualities of decay and renewal through innovative textile art. Their works invite viewers to engage with the themes of transformation and the enduring beauty that emerges from the process of change.
“Echoes of Renewal” is more than an art exhibition; it is a meditation on the beauty of transformation and a celebration of resilience. By engaging with this exhibition, visitors are invited to reflect on their own experiences with impermanence and find inspiration in the cycle of decay and renewal.
The exhibition will be on display at Saywell Gallery from 13 to 27 Oct, with an opening reception on Saturday 12 October ‘24 at 3pm. We encourage the community to join us for an afternoon of reflection and celebration of the remarkable interplay between decay and renewal.