Australian fibre artist Tammy Kanat has launched her most ambitious exhibition to date, titled Tammy Kanat: Circle of Her, at the Jewish Museum of Australia. The exhibition, which runs until March 22, 2026, represents the latest installment of the Eva and Marc Besen Contemporary Artist Commission series at the museum. Kanat is celebrated for her vibrant woven wall pieces and innovative reinterpretation of textile traditions, but this new exhibition marks a significant shift towards immersive sculptural forms.
In this evocative new direction, Kanat draws inspiration from intuition, ancestral memory, and the whispers of female archetypes. “As I began working, I found myself listening differently, not to the materials, but to something internal, and somehow older than me,” Kanat reflects. “These pieces are vessels for presence, intuition, and transformation.” Her latest creations signal a striking evolution in her artistic practice, transforming her distinctive visual language into a multidimensional experience that deeply resonates with viewers.
Exploring Feminine Archetypes
Set within the intimate confines of the Jewish Museum, Circle of Her invites audiences to engage with themes of feminine renewal, cultural belonging, and the power of material storytelling. The exhibition showcases seven bold sculptural forms that draw on archetypal feminine figures such as matriarchs, muses, and ancestral spirits, honoring their significant influence.
These sculptures also pay tribute to the women in Kanat’s own life, including her mother, daughters, sister, friends, and fellow artists. Each piece represents a connection within a nurturing circle, highlighting themes of memory, imagination, and intergenerational ties. Curated by Esther Gyorki, the exhibition is accompanied by a new publication authored by Dr. Paola Di Trocchio, a former curator at the National Gallery of Victoria. This book features contributions from notable figures in design and cultural discourse, such as Jo Horgan, Sally Dan-Cuthbert, Rachelle Unreich, and Professor Natalie King.
Gyorki notes the depth of Kanat’s work, stating, “Tammy’s new work is materially rich, spiritually resonant, and deeply personal. It honors the threads we inherit and those we pass on, evoking the spiral as a symbol of continuity, introspection, and transformation.” As Kanat’s profile continues to rise, with past collaborations including the inaugural Mecca x NGV Women in Design Commission in 2019 and a nationwide Mecca holiday campaign, Circle of Her promises to extend her influence further.
Engaging the Community
The exhibition offers more than visual artistry; it seeks to create a shared experience that encourages audiences to connect with their own inner voices and cultural lineages. Kanat has collaborated with her brother Grant Blashki and musician Gidi Ifergan to create a new soundscape that complements the exhibition, adding another layer to the immersive experience.
Alongside the exhibition, a dynamic public program is planned, featuring artist talks, guided meditations, school holiday weaving workshops, and late-night music events. These activities aim to foster community engagement and deepen the dialogue surrounding Kanat’s work.
To book tickets and learn more about the exhibition, visit the Jewish Museum of Australia’s official website at jewishmuseum.com.au. As Kanat’s Circle of Her unfolds, it stands as a testament to the power of art in exploring and celebrating cultural narratives.
