If Fabrics Could Speak... with Catherine Fitz-Gerald

A journey in fabrics through culture, family and creation, If Fabrics Could Speak is a 2024 Fringe and South Australian Living Artist Festival award winning exhibition.

With accessibility in mind at all times, this exhibition created by local artist Catherine Fitz-Gerald, tells the story of 30 participants aged from four to 91, as they share ordinary fabrics and the extraordinary memories that linger in the fibres.

Discover stories through tales in an audio-described exhibition, combining paintings, photography and digital storytelling in a relaxing space.

Focused on community engagement and inclusion, this exhibition features audio-explanation, QR codes and assistance for those with English as a second language.

Artist Catherine Fitz-Gerald said her commitment to making the space inclusive was with her from the beginning and she received a small City of Burnside Community Grant to assist with the exhibition.

‘I looked around at galleries and thought “I can do better”, be the change you want to see in the world,’ Catherine said.

‘Being accessible is more than just having wheelchair access.’

‘The exhibition includes a 30-minute video and stories on the wall. Take your time to explore and really understand the stories – this exhibition is open and accessible to all ages and abilities.’

The daughter of a dressmaker, Catherine’s history with fabrics stretches back to her childhood, sitting at her mother’s feet while she sewed, handing young Catherine scraps of fabric and teaching her the history and stories behind each. It is these personal voices Catherine has sought from her participants.

‘I understood fabrics held stories from an early age. It made me curious about the world and its histories.’

‘Fabrics are important because of culture, making and family. These are ordinary members of the community that have a fabric that is important to them.’

‘Fabrics accompany us in ways few other things do. Babies are wrapped in it when first born and it is what we are dressed in when we are departed. Fabrics protect and carry culture and love and are woven through our language and history. Uniting in a way few other things do.’

If Fabrics Could Speak will be the first exhibition of the new year at Pepper Street Arts Centre from 17 January – 14 February 2025. Workshops will be held including Meet the Artist, Auslan interpreted talks and a sensory tour on Saturday 1 February 2 pm - 3.30 pm.

For more information visit bit.ly/PepStExhibits.