Something we saw and loved at Tent and which is now travelling the country, is Lab Craft. Curated by Max Fraser, the exhibition explores the combination of traditional craft skills with cutting edge digital technologies such as laser cutting and rapid prototyping. We were impressed by the quality of the work and the fascinating notion of using these technologies as ‘an extension to the capabilities of the human hand.’
As captivating as these objects are, the Crafts Council raises an interesting question: ‘Does digital perfection allow space for the great charm of mistakes?’ Do these objects lack that handmade feeling that the word ‘craft’ is indicative of? In some ways perhaps, but Lab Craft also presents a new era of craft; one where digital technologies are used as an extension to the traditional toolbox, in turn creating a new and exciting visual language.
Labcraft is currently on show at The Turnpike Gallery in Leigh, Manchester
[via Guardian and Crafts Council]
Images by Nick Moss