In conversation with Meryl Ryan: Curator of New Exuberance

Newcastle based curator, Meryl Ryan joins us for a conversation with MPRG Curator, Dunja Rmandic.

Delve into the vibrant world of contemporary Australian textile design and gain insight into New Exuberance's themes, techniques, and cultural significance. From bold patterns to intricate textures, each piece tells a story of innovation and expression.

Hear how Australian textile-based practices are flourishing and how makers are finding renewed confidence in community-driven products and collaborations. Dunja and Meryl will discuss the notable visibility of First Nations’ practices and how this has resulted from the passionate vision of new enterprises in both remote art centres and in urban collectives across the country.

Reflecting on the experience of curating the exhibition, Ryan reveals, “The diversity, invention and vibrancy seen in this collection of work is compelling evidence of how much creative and emotional energy artists and designers are devoting to their pieces, regardless of whether they are destined for the wall, floor or body.”

The exhibition showcases the work of more than 30 textile creatives and includes 10 commissioned furniture pieces produced by designers associated with JamFactory.

Main image: Meryl Ryan at JamFactory with New Exuberance exhibition catalogue.
Second image: Meryl with designer Stephen Goddard and Brian Pakes at the exhibition opening in Adelaide, February 2023
Pic credit: Brian Pakes, JamFactory CEO (main) and Andrew Carvolth (second)

Suggested reading: Where are textiles heading next? New Exuberance finds out — Art Guide Australia