Curves Take Centre tage at PACC's Textile Art Exhibition
- intouch Magazine
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The Performance Arts Culture Cessnock (PACC) is set to showcase a stunning collection of contemporary Australian quilts that challenge traditional perceptions of textile art.
Ahead of the Curve, opening 29 November and running through to 31 January 2026, brings together works from some of Australia's most innovative quilters in an exhibition that celebrates both technical mastery and creative experimentation.
Curated by Tara Glastonbury, the exhibition centres on the curve as a powerful element in modern quilting—a shape that presents both technical challenges and extraordinary creative possibilities. Unlike traditional geometric quilting patterns, curves demand precision, patience, and a willingness to embrace risk. The featured artists have risen to this challenge, producing works that range from boldly improvised compositions to meticulously planned geometric designs.
The exhibition brings together an impressive roster of Australian quilters, including Wendy Nutt, Grace Di Muzio, Ruth de Vos, Rachaeldaisy Dodd, Pip Porter, Kate Henderson, Jess Wheelahan, Jeanne Treleaven, Pat Forster, Diana Vandeyar, Caroline Hadley, Brenda Gael Smith, and Belinda Betts. Each artist brings their unique vision to the exploration of curved forms, demonstrating how this single design element can inspire endless variation.
What makes Ahead of the Curve particularly compelling is how it positions quilting as a dynamic contemporary art form rather than merely a craft tradition. The works on display chart a course through improvisation and precision, boldness and restraint, revealing the curve as more than just a visual motif—it becomes a way to rethink process, embrace complexity, and expand the language of textile art itself.
For those who appreciate contemporary art or are curious about the evolution of traditional crafts, this exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into how Australian makers are pushing boundaries and redefining their medium. The fluidity and structural complexity of curves provide rich territory for creative inquiry, and these quilters have embraced that challenge with fearless innovation.
Ahead of the Curve runs at PACC in Cessnock from 29 November until 31 January 2026. During the holiday period, PACC will be closed midday 24 December 2025 and reopen 9am Monday 5 January 2026. Visit www.mypacc.com.au/Whats-on/25-Ahead-of-the-Curve for more information.
