Title: Threaded
Venue: CnG Gallery 143 Martin Street Brighton Victoria
Date: Opening Thursday 20th February - Sunday 9th March
Website: www.caeleneneeglen.com.au
2024; HUE + CRY ART PRIZE 2024
Title: Hue + Cry Art Prize 2024
Venue: Hue and Cry Gallery, Liminal Gallery + Lab) 64-66 Ryrie Street Geelong Victoria
Date: 31st August - 21st September 2024
Website: www.liminalgalleryandlab.com
2024; TEXTILE PALETTE EXHIBITION
Title: Textile Palette Exhibition - Distortion, the evolution of body enhancement
Venue: Esmond Gallery at The Warehouse Clunes Victoria
Date: Saturday April 6th - Sunday April 28th 2024
Website: Textile Palette Exhibition
The theme for the 2024 Textile Palette Exhibition is titled Distortion, the evolution of body enhancement.
The aim of this exhibition is to explore how artists perspectives challenge or accept dominant narratives regarding human physiology and body image; a contemplative topic, manifested and contested in many discussions in contemporary society. Artists are invited to think about body enhancement in its multiplicity and as new worlds of body imagery open up and collide with narratives as we know them, what possibilities lay ahead.
In concert with the theme Distortion, the evolution of body enhancement, artists have been asked to reflect on the social/cultural mores and norms of a modern or historical timeframe, to explore physical enhancement or body modification; who was involved; why was it done; what was the outcome; where and how long did the trend last if not continued?
Exhibits
For this years exhibition I have entered two works
What is shaping us?
Stitched up!
2023; THE MAKING'S OF US
Title: The Making’s of Us
Venue: Colac Otway Performing Arts & Cultural Centre (COPACC) Colac Victoria
Date: 28th October - 25th November 2023
Website: COPAAC
The ‘Makings of Us’ is a collaboration of creative work by six artists from the Ballarat region. This display is a collection of carefully selected pieces which illustrate the uniqueness of each artist and is a celebration of the diversity of skill and camaraderie developed by each of the six women who meet regularly to develop ideas and support each other in their art practice.
Working independently and experimenting with different techniques and media including textiles, fibres, ceramics, acrylics, glass, weaving and sculpture, each artist has chosen a selection of their work for this display.
The group comprising artists, Sylvia Aguirre, Robyn Barnett, Kate Both, Sue Cabassi, Marcia King and Christine Lethlean bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and understanding into this collection and whilst some within the collective have completed tertiary studies in art, others creativity is borne from observation, self-studies, and life experience.
Each year, on the 26th March, to highlight National Eucalypt Day, Christine Lethlean completes an artwork featuring an endangered or threatened Australian Eucalypt species. ‘Mottlecah Eucalyptus’ and ‘Ode to the Eucalypt’ will be on display in the Making’s of Us at COPAAC.
2023; UNCOMMON THREADS
Title: How did I get here?
Exhibition: Naarm Textile Collective - Uncommon Threads
Venue: 45 Downstairs Gallery, Flinders Street Melbourne
Date: October 17th - 28th 2023
Website: NAARM REXTILE COLLECTIVE
Background - Everyone needs a safe and secure home, where we can live close to family and friends, especially as we grow older. It is an indictment on our social + economic policies of the past, that a growing number of older women are now facing an insecure future of housing instability. Every night, more than 122,000 people in Australia experience homelessness, and although the most visible experience involves sleeping rough on the streets, this type of homelessness represents a mere 6% of the ‘unhoused’ population.
Sadly, women make up the vast majority of the newly homeless and older women the fastest growing group. The 2016 Census reported that the number of women over 55 experiencing homelessness increased by 31% compared to 2011 and the research shows that most of these women have never been homeless before. This person could be your sister, aunt, mother or grandmother, and this alarming statistic, is almost double the growth rate for people experiencing homelessness in Australia.
This artwork, in progress, titled, How did I get here?, is a life size sculptural piece, worked in textiles, threads and fibres.
The narrative delves deep into the psyche of a 61 year old Australian woman, a dear friend, who has had first hand experience in finding herself ‘unhoused’ over the past 6 years. This work attempts to interpret in textiles, fibres, and threads, the fragility of her circumstances, the human condition in its many facets, and the juxtaposition of her vulnerability and reserves of resilience and strength she has needed to keep afloat physically and mentally to maintain a semblance of ‘normality’ and stability.
This work challenges the viewer to contemplate the circumstances that older women face in becoming ‘unhoused’ and ‘unanchored’; to unravel the layers of complexity this circumstance gives rise to.
As an artist I offer you a moment within this space, to sit with this exhibit, in its narrative of uncertainty and hope and simply feel.
2023; TEXTILE PALETTE EXHIBITION
Title: Textile Palette Exhibition - - A time for stitch
Venue: Esmond Gallery at The Warehouse Clunes Victoria
Date: April 1st - 28th 2023
Website: TEXTILE PALETTE EXHIBITION
The theme for the 2023 exhibition is Time for Stitch. Navigating the changes to our lifestyle due to restrictions placed on us by the COVID pandemic, enduring long periods of isolation and separation, artists are invited to explore how the quiet times affected them. For many stitching became a lifeline to maintaining a sense of ‘normality’, generating a meaningful focus whilst in lockdown and keeping our motivation to create alive.
With this theme in mind, artists can choose to work on ideas connected to their experience during COVID restrictions, socio, political or economic themes that arose during this time or a project that was worked on highlighting the progressive art form of textile art and/or the sheer enjoyment of stitching.
Visually attracted to the play that light, and shade offers, in particular, the rich hues of a dark and moody still life, during the lockdown restrictions throughout the COVID pandemic I spent a lot of quiet time in my studio experimenting with still life subjects using fabric as my colour palette.
House bound, I loved the challenge of ‘making do’ with what threads I had and what was ‘at hand’ in my scrap baskets.
This artwork ‘Autumn Pickings’ is a still life theme I dabbled with throughout that period, playing, testing and experimenting with pieces of fabric bought together, like paint on a brush, to create depth, mood and composition.
2023; RECLAIMING THE UNLOVED
Title: Reclaiming the Unloved - a contemporary utilisation of old, unwanted and discarded textiles
Exhibition - 2022 Tiny Towns Art Trail
Venue: Art + Objects Salon Clunes Victoria
Date: April 2022
Welcome to the fifth annual Tiny Towns Arts Trail 2021, spanning over the ANZAC Day weekend, over twenty locations hidden across seven of the Tiny Towns of the Central Goldfields, Loddon and Pyrenees country. Come and join the trail and share in the creative energy that is quietly building in this unique part of the world, supporting local artists and makers, small business and creative communities. From Fine Art Galleries, Cafes and Artists' Studios to Pop Up Exhibitions in historic buildings, restored railway stations, churches and gardens. You will discover hidden treasures and the creative magic heart of our historic towns. Uncover luscious local secrets, (far more than gold) in unexpected places and this year St Arnaud and Bridgewater join the Loddon trail.
This years theme of environment recycling and re purposing has become a thread that binds the trail. Gardens botanical art and recycled sculptural treasures will surprise and inspire. you are invited to explore the towns, sculpture in parks and river walks and local silo projects.
Reclaiming the Unloved - a contemporary utilisation of old, unwanted and discarded textiles, contributing guest artist Christine Lethlean showcases her creative touch, stylising antique and unwanted textiles into a range of soft furnishings and framed artworks.
2019; OFF
Title: ‘Off’ - A Charis Art Group Collaboration Exhibition
Venue: the Red Door Gallery, at the garage Clunes Victoria
Date: November 2019
The Charis Art Group was formed in 2018, a small network of creative women from Ballarat and surrounding areas. Coming together, it was envisaged that in a peer supported environment, taking time out from busy working lives, an allotted space and time, would help to evolve their art practice and foster friendships with like-minded creatives.
Members include Christine Lethlean, Robyn Barnett, Deb Sonenberg, Sue Cabassi, Marcia King, Sylvia Doust, Kate Both.
The ‘Off’ exhibition is the groups first public event, and aims to showcase an array of work that has evolved over the past year. Each member has been invited to interpret the title ‘Off’ in their own style and artistic discipline. Artworks include suspended fibre installations, framed works, ceramics, basket weaving, costumery and mixed media sculpture.
For my contribution to the group display these 4 framed artworks were inspired by the internationally renowned graffiti artist Banksy. Arguably the most controversial ‘street artist’ in the world, Banksy has developed a subculture devoted to his artwork. His style is varied and eclectic and not only includes controversial images with strong messages but may also be discovered on the internet as viral images, or in obscure spaces as sculpture or performance art.
The most common form of street art by Banksy is the use of stencils. These are often multi-layered and combined with the use of spray paint using a limited colour palette, mainly black white and red. He also includes the use of street signs and printed items to convey his message in a street art installation. Banksy is renowned for his satirical approach, wit and dark humour and uses graffiti to spread messages across art, philosophy and politics.
In these artworks I have experimented in stitch, a minimalist technique that emulates a stencilled image on a white background, as if painted. Once the subject has been stitched, each piece is inserted into a collaged mixed-media background.
Each piece is controversial in nature and draws the viewer to look at subject matter differently with the use of simplistic imagery. In line with the exhibition theme ‘Off’ each piece is underpinned with an “off the richter” or ‘off balance’ connotation, highlighting the impact of human behaviour in the various contexts. Further to the ‘Off’ theme is the inspiration I have drawn from Banksy’s work as a graffiti artist, a form of artwork considered an underground criminal activity and a lawful offence.. Maybe it is my inner rebel, but I seriously admire Banksy’s ingenuity and provocative irreverence to spread powerful messages as graffiti art.
2019; TEXTILE PALETTE EXHIBITION
Title: The 2019 Textile Palette Exhibition – A Regional Collective
Venue: Red Door Gallery …..at the garage, Clunes Victoria
Date: March 2019
The 2019 Textile Palette Exhibition - A regional collective, celebrates the contribution being made within the visual arts community by a growing number of established and emerging regional textile artists. This year’s event continues to highlight the growing popularity of ‘stitching as an artform’ showcasing new techniques and creative ideas originating from fabrics, fibres, and threads.
The 2019 Textile Palette Exhibition - A regional collective, hosts a range of 43 artworks by 15 artists and comprises a collection of framed and unframed artworks, creative patchwork + applique, fashion + accessories, sculpture, soft furnishings, and upholstery.
Participating artists include – Christine Lethlean, Jacqui Marshall, Teresa Glenn, Ann Holden, Nasci Lethlean, Lois Nichols, Melanie Hill, Cheryl Kennedy, Joanna Thomas, Jenny Parkin, Christine Grant, Jenny Gamble, Jo Maxwell, Suzanne Lyle, Liz Sardone
2019; THRIFT
Title: Thrift - Up-cycled fabrics in art
Venue: The Australasian Quilt Convention (AQC) Exhibition Building Carlton Victoria
Date: April 2019
Coordinated by Christine Lethlean ‘Thrift - Up-cycled fabrics in art’ celebrates 37 artworks, created by 28 of her students from various workshops she has facilitated around the country. Christine has several of her class portfolio works in the mix of exhibits.
In line with the theme ‘Thrift’, participating students have been asked to produce an original framed artwork no larger 15” x 15”, that includes recycled fabrics and threads, 3 or more stitching techniques including free motion embroidery and 3 or more applique styles.
This display of work aims to highlight the growing trend in using reclaimed and discarded fabrics and bric-a-brac in textile art and the interest of ‘creative stitching as an artform’. The exhibition showcases new techniques and creative ideas presented as framed wall art.
Participating artists include – Christine Lethlean, Jacqui Marshall, Gillian Shoenborn, Ann Holden, Christine Grant, Jenny Gamble, Andrea Wood, Helen Lloyd, Nicole McInerney, Jennifer Mitchell, Wendy Jones, Terri Tenardi, Kay Ray, Sue Harvey, Dorothy Deneys, Val York, Nikki Haron, Norma Jones, Maureen Thomas, and others.
2018; TEXTILE PALETTE EXHIBITION
Title: The 2018 Textile Palette Exhibition – A Regional Collective
Venue: Red Door Gallery …..at the garage, Clunes Victoria
Date: March 2018
Growing in reputation the third Textile Palette Exhibition ….. a regional collective, features a range of work produced by both local and regional textile artists. The 2018 event aims to highlight the growing popularity of stitched textile and fibre art across the region, showcasing the possibilities of various techniques and ideas originating from artists using fabrics, fibres, and threads in new and innovative ways.
Hosted in a new gallery space this year’s exhibition includes a broader range of 38 varied artworks by 14 artists and comprises a collection of framed and unframed artworks, creative patchwork + applique, fashion + accessories, sculpture, soft furnishings, and upholstery.
Participating artists include – Christine Lethlean, Jacqui Marshall, Teresa Glenn, Ann Holden, Nasci Lethlean, Lois Nichols, Melanie Hill, Cheryl Kennedy, Joanna Thomas, Jenny Parkin, Christine Grant, Jenny Gamble, Jo Maxwell, Suzanne Lyle
2017; TEXTILE PALETTE EXHIBITION
Title: The 2017 Textile Palette Exhibition – A Regional Collective
Venue: Red Door Gallery of Fine Arts, Clunes Victoria
Date: September 2017
The second Textile Palette Exhibition ….. a regional collective, is a combination of works by local and regional textile art enthusiasts. This exhibition highlights the growing interest and creative progress being made by previous participants of the 2016 exhibition and others who have attended classes at the Margie & Bert Design Studio during the year.
This exhibition varied in content incorporates 35 artworks by 15 artists and is a collection of framed and unframed artworks, creative patchwork + applique, soft furnishings and upholstery.
Participating artists include – Christine Lethlean, Jacqui Marshall, Maureen Thomas, Vicki Bull, Christine Hickson, Jeannie King, Nasci Lethlean, Roz Deagan, Jenny Parkin, Rosy Hardress, Melanie Hill, Amanda Scarce-Fisher, Joanna Thomas, Marlene Thomas, Lois Nichols.
2016; TEXTILE PALETTE EXHIBITION
Title: The Textile Palette Exhibition – A Community Collection
Venue: Gallery5 Clunes Victoria
Date: September 2016
The inaugural 2016 Textile Palette Exhibition ……a community collective has been established to celebrate a small group of local textile art enthusiasts from Clunes and surrounding areas and will run alongside the annual Quiltessentially Clunes Stitching Retreat.
The event aims to highlight the work completed by participants who have attended classes at the Margie & Bert Design Studio. Varied in content and talent, this display incorporates 38 artworks by 15 artists and includes framed and unframed works, fibre art, appliqué, art quilting, soft furnishings, fashion accessories, upholstery, costumery.
Participating artists include – Christine Lethlean, Mel Drummond, Barbara Curzon-Siggers, Jeannie King, Nasci Lethlean, Leanne Wills, Roz Deagan, Kathryn Honey, Jacqui Marshall, Maureen Thomas, Vicki Bull, Christine Hickson, Teresa Glenn, Yvonne Rusbridge