Staged Stories

"Staged Stories: Renwick Craft Invitational 2009" showcases the talent of four exceptional artists: Christyl Boger, Mark Newport, Mary Van Cline, and SunKoo Yuh. Working in the traditional media of clay, fibre, and glass, these artists push their material to communicate in new ways. As the title suggests, theatrical elements-including props, costumes, and narration-bind together these varied works. Christyl Boger creates idealised ceramic figures that entrance viewers by their gaze. Mark Newport knits superhero costumes that mix adolescent male subject matter with craft techniques usually pursued by women. Mary Van Cline constructs glass sculptures that incorporate photographs of enigmatic scenes, ultimately creating dreamlike environments. SunKoo Yuh's ceramic sculptures incorporate crowded figures that compress multiple stories into a multicultural narrative. Here, author Kate Bonansinga explores the many ways these artists employ disguise and staging and lend them meaning. Begun in 2000, the "Renwick Craft Invitational" is a biennial series designed to celebrate craft artists working today. "Staged Stories: Renwick Craft Invitational 2009" is the fourth presentation.