Barely Wearable: Ruth Downes

This body of work is a continuation of Ruth Downes’ passion for reappropriating everyday materials and objects to celebrate their intrinsic beauty.

Materials for these thirty ‘wearable’ artworks have been gleaned from a diverse range of sources - from coffee capsules to face masks. Detritus from nature has also been salvaged to be reborn as a fashion statement.

The works question our accepted values and how we award status by projecting these everyday materials into the realm of art. This is more than a simple up-cycling exercise as Downes has an acute awareness of the potential of the materials. Her trademark humour also runs as a thread throughout the exhibition adding a further dimension.

Exhibition Catalogue available from Friday 17 September 2021

This event is a part of Sydney Craft Week, 8 October – 17 October. The Sydney Craft Week Festival is an Australian Design Centre initiative. View the complete festival program online.