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The Borderline Line Between Arts And Crafts
Sometimes an
object is clearly a work of art; at other times , one will have
no difficulties in labelling a craft as a craft.
But in between
there is a large range of objects that seem to defy these
distinctions. The objects may be clearly designed, but imagery is
purely decorative, or confined to the shape of the object itself
without picturing something else. The craft may have significant
imagery attached to the objects but can never be considered to
be works of art for some reasons of reproduction.
It’s well
known that there was a time when everything was a craft, all
processes of making were hand processes and it shows that everything
made, whether utilitarian, ritual or merely decorative,e was
essentially a craft object.
Art is well
known and regarded as a superior product in the circles of
production than that of a craft.
The Choma
Museum and Craft Centre will, from 24 November, be holding an
exhibition about the range of objects that fall in that area where
arts become crafts and crafts become art. On show will be various
types of batiks, tie-and-dyes, appliqué paintings, wall hangings,
bean bags and water colour paintings.
Also on show
will be a range of traditional crafts of the Southern Province,
notably baskets, with their intricate patterns. The CMCC support 16
groups of artisans, mostly rural women. About 250 of
these associated artisans have become master basket makers and
account for most of the thousands of baskets made in the southern
province that are exported annually to USA, various EU countries and
the RSA annually. Monze Homecrafts Centre, the Choma Museum and
their supporting agencies have played a major role in supporting
this craft producing area.
Also on show
will be objects made during workshops organised by the Crafts
Development Division of the CMCC. During these workshops, new
products are tried such as prints on handmade paper and various
types of beadwork. The training programme is sponsored by the GRZ/
World Bank SEED programme. All items on show are for sale and can be
collected at the time of payment (during the exhibition itself).
Running concurrently with the exhibition is a festive season
clearance sale at the CMCC craft shop.
Both occasions
will provide you with an opportunity to buy unique, affordable and
truly Zambian gifts for friends and family. A blessing with
Christmas approaching.
There is no entry
fee and guided
tours can be arranged, if you contact the CMCC in advance on 097
885-691, ask for Museum Assistant, Sylvia Mwando.
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November
2006