The inaugural Indian Ocean Craft Triennial, also known as IOTA21 is taking place in Perth, Western Australia from September to November 2021. Representing and exhibiting artisan work from cultures as far afield as Southern Africa to India, to South East Asia, to Australia, this event does not only showcase handmade objects, it also addresses issues concerning gender, politics, the environment, displacement, and technology.

I spoke to IOTA21’s Project Director, Jude van der Merwe about the event and all the planning that went into bringing it to life. Our conversation took over two different meetings. The first one was in June 2021 when planning was still being disrupted by the fallout of the COVID pandemic. Our second conversation was at the end of August, a few days before the event officially opened. 

I decided to divide the conversation into two episodes. In episode 5 we talk about the background and the lead up to the event, as well as all the parameters of representing such a huge event. In episode 6 we talk about the different crafts, art, and makers that are represented at IOTA21 as well as the range of exhibitions and other events taking place.

Episode 5

Jude shares how the idea to organise a triennial was born and how it developed into the event that it currently is. 

We discuss the context of the Indian Ocean as a place-maker and how it connects the cultures embedded around the Indian Ocean rim.

Then we turn our attention to the idea of craft and what it represents in different cultures. Jude shares how crafts are used to create objects of adornment, worship, utility, and shelter.

Episode 6

Jude gives an update on how the fallout of the pandemic, including travel restrictions, affected the event and shares the excitement of reaching opening night!

We talk about the main exhibition called Curiosity and the Rituals of the Everyday that is on display across two galleries at the Fremantle Art Centre and at the John Curtin Gallery.

Jude shares some lovely insight and stories about a few artists whose works are on display. They include individual artists from Indonesia and Thailand, as well as group projects from India and Africa.

We also talk about a significant part of IOTA21 – the incredible contribution of the many indigenous artists from across Western Australia.

The full program of events, information about the venues, the individual exhibitions and events, biographies and contact details of the artists, as well the opportunity to buy a catalogue, to become a patron, or to make a donation, can all be found on the IOTA21 website.

Images are courtesy of the IOTA21 Instagram feed: @crafttriennial