RAYNA Fahey has made a habit of turning the ugly into the beautiful.
Founder of the Melbourne Revolutionary Craft Circle and co-founder of the infamous Craft Cartel, Fahey is best known for transforming industrial settings into works of art through her love of craft.
Originally from New Zealand, Fahey started cross-stitching to alleviate boredom when she became ill during pregnancy.
Her work continued to evolve and these days can be seen more often in non-traditional places, such as on fences, rather than a gallery.
The Braybrook resident’s most famous piece was stitching the words “I wanna live here” into the fence of a vacant block in Footscray in protest against housing affordability and the use of land across Melbourne.
Her latest exhibition, It’s Never Too Late To Mend, is showing at the Incinerator Gallery in Moonee Ponds from April 13 to May 13.
Fahey incorporates everyday craft materials to communicate radical and challenging ideas about society.
“In light of the recent resurgence in the popularity of craft, this exhibition is not only about asking questions about the reasons we craft but also a call-out to the craft community to strive for excellence in design,” Fahey says.
“I’m honoured to be pressing these discussions in a building connected to such a strong design history of function and beauty.”
It’s Never Too Late To Mend is open from April13 to May13 at the Incinerator Gallery, 180 Holmes Road, Moonee Ponds. Details: incineratorgallery.com.au or 83251750.
