Tammy Kanat, an acclaimed Australian fibre artist, has launched her most ambitious exhibition to date, titled Tammy Kanat: Circle of Her. The exhibition is currently on display at the Jewish Museum of Australia and will run until March 22, 2026. This showcase represents the latest in the Eva and Marc Besen Contemporary Artist Commission series, highlighting Kanat’s innovative approach to contemporary textile art.
Known for her vibrant woven wall pieces, Kanat’s new exhibition shifts towards immersive sculptural forms. She draws inspiration from intuition, ancestral memory, and the whispers of female archetypes, marking a significant evolution in her artistic practice. “As I began working, I found myself listening differently, not to the materials, but to something internal, and somehow older than me,” Kanat explains. “These pieces are vessels for presence, intuition, and transformation.”
Exploring Feminine Archetypes and Personal Connections
Set against the intimate backdrop of the Jewish Museum, Circle of Her invites visitors to engage in a layered meditation on themes of feminine renewal, cultural belonging, and the power of storytelling through material. The exhibition features seven striking sculptural forms that celebrate archetypal feminine figures—such as matriarchs and muses—while also paying homage to the women in Kanat’s own life, including her mother, daughters, and friends. This aspect of her work emphasizes the connections and nurturance that form a vital circle of support.
Curated by Esther Gyorki, the exhibition is accompanied by a significant publication authored by Dr. Paola Di Trocchio, a former curator at the National Gallery of Victoria. The publication includes contributions from notable figures in design and cultural discourse, such as Jo Horgan, Sally Dan-Cuthbert, Rachelle Unreich, and Professor Natalie King. It situates Kanat’s work within contemporary Australian and global contexts, reinforcing her role as a prominent figure in today’s material culture.
Gyorki remarks, “Tammy’s new work is materially rich, spiritually resonant, and deeply personal. It honours the threads we inherit and those we pass on, evoking the spiral as a symbol of continuity, introspection, and transformation.”
Enhancing Experience with Sound and Community Engagement
Kanat’s profile has surged in recent years, bolstered by high-profile collaborations, including the inaugural Mecca x NGV Women in Design Commission in 2019. Circle of Her aims to expand her influence further, encouraging audiences to connect with their own inner voices and shared cultural lineages.
The exhibition will feature an innovative soundscape created by Kanat’s brother, Grant Blashki, in collaboration with composer Gidi Ifergan. Additionally, a dynamic public program will include artist talks, guided meditations, weaving workshops for school holidays, and evening music events.
For those interested in experiencing this unique exhibition, tickets can be purchased through the Jewish Museum of Australia website. Kanat’s Circle of Her promises to be an engaging exploration of identity and creativity, inviting audiences to reflect on the connections that shape their lives.
