Imagine a time when all clothes were stitched by hand. It is estimated that the invention and availability of the domestic sewing machine reduced the time to stitch an average shirt from 14 hours to 4 hours, this was a turning point in history.

ART ON THE MOVE touring exhibition Machines & Makers captures twelve established artist responses to this invention, which was viewed as a disruptive technology in the 19th century.

In 1860, Singer became the world’s largest manufacturer of sewing machines with over 15,000 machines made that year. The tradition of working on a sewing machine continues to be cherished within communities and passed on through generations.

“Part of the phenomenon of this machinery is that these objects, made in their hundreds of millions, continue to work as well in the 21^st century as they did in the 19^th century when they were new.” – Curator, Jude van der Merwe

Curated by Jude van der Merwe, the exhibition brings together high calibre Western Australian artists reflecting on the political, social and economic differences made by inventions, many of which are seen through the lens of memory.

ART ON THE MOVE is supported by the State Government through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

Act-Belong-Commit Engagement Program presented by ART ON THE MOVE is sponsored by Healthway promoting the Act Belong Commit health message.