Everything old is new again, it would seem. Vintage clothing is making a roaring comeback, and period home furnishings and decorations are enjoying a strong revival in the 21st century. However, old things may be in vogue, but traditional handicrafts, which embody our cultural heritage and social identity, have not been embraced as fully by the public. The artisans who have honed their skills over decades feel left behind by the changing times, as do many elderly citizens in our graying population.
To address this issue and to raise awareness of the needs of our elderly, I proposed an exhibition of handicrafted objects created with new materials or shaped using new technologies. These handcrafted objects will force us to rethink what we commonly refered to as “handicrafts” and demonstrate how artists can engage audiences by injecting fresh ideas to age-old arts and crafts. The ideas and concepts will be conveyed in a playful and thoughtful manner, focusing on audience engagement and prociding them with hands-on experience.
