Shine

For centuries, the light and lustre of materials have captivated cultures and societies, artisans and artists, attributing to even simple objects an allure of beauty, luxury and opulence. Throughout the world, reflective metals, mirrors, silver- and gold-wrapped thread, sequins, beads and even insect wings have been skillfully transformed to create some of the most mystifying and coveted cultural and personal expressions.

Shine spans 200 years of extraordinary human ingenuity – handmade objects that are both celebratory and commonplace, excessive and unassuming. The exhibition features an array of exquisite traditional garments and accessories from the Museum’s permanent collections integrated with the work of contemporary artists, creating timely conversations that engage complex and sometimes conflicting ideals of desire, status, wealth and beauty.

Shine features contemporary artists Carmelo Arnoldin (Toronto), Ghost of a Dream (New York), Rhonda Weppler and Trevor Mahovsky (San Francisco and Toronto).

The exhibition is presented in conjunction with the Toronto International Jewellery Festival and the 2013 Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) Conference with the generous support of Carole Tanenbaum.

Images courtesy of the Textile Museum of Canada, Ontario, Canada.