In this exhibition, emerging artists Janaki Lele and Ellen Schlobohm explore cultural and personal connections to paper art and papercutting. These art forms have evolved under different styles within many cultures the world over, and the artists reflect on these traditions through their respective heritages, cultural identities and experiences. Creating intricate and beautiful contemporary works that re-imagine the papercutting traditions of Sanjhi (India) and Scherenschnitte (Germany), in s.il.hou.ette the artists will invite audiences to share in their skills and passion for paper.
Opening February 14 at 6pm at Nexus Arts
February 15 – March 22
Open Tuesday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Traditional Papercutting workshop
WHEN: March 16, 11am – 4pm
WHERE: Nexus Arts Gallery
COST: $79, all materials included
This workshop reflects on the traditions of Sanjhi (India, 16th Century), a spiritual and devotional stenciling technique used to create ceremonial floor decorations with pigments (Rangolis), and Scherenschnitte or “scissor cuts” (Germany, 16th Century), a papercutting folk art tradition of silhouettes, love letters and valentines.
The workshop will begin with an artist talk from paper artist Ellen Schlobohm about her current body of work. Guided by Ellen, students will then get to try their hand at scherenschnitte and working from provided templates create their own papercuts using scalpels.
Janaki Lele will then take participants through traditional paper cut designs towards the creation of Sanhji, or ceremonial floor stencils. These will then be used to create ceremonial floor decorations with pigments (Rangolis) for the exhibition closing event on March 22.
Please note this a 14+ event and a minimum of 10 bookings will be required for workshop to proceed. To book please click here.
Artist Talk
WHEN: March 21, 5pm
WHERE: Nexus Arts Gallery
COST: Free
Janaki Lele and Ellen Schlobohm will reflect on their exhibition s.il.hou.ette~ in this artist talk. Both artists will delve into the ideas behind their work and their experience of undertaking a residency at Nexus Arts.
For more information please contact Nexus Arts.
Closing Event
WHEN: March 22, 5pm
WHERE: Nexus Arts Gallery and courtyard.
COST: Free
Come along to our closing event to help us celebrate s.il.hou.ette~. We will be decorating the gallery with Rangolis, ceremonial floor decorations, using stencils and pigments and we’d love for you to give it a go! There will also be live music and Nexus will launch their Visual Arts program.
For more information please contact Nexus Arts.