You only have until this Sunday afternoon to catch the Radical Textiles exhibition on at the Art Gallery of South Australia, which showcases the work of over 100 artists, designers and activists.

Spread over three galleries, the exhibition demonstrates how textiles over the years have been used in various ways, to drive social change, espouse political views, galvanise support for causes and inspire revolutionary changes in society.

The exhibition has everything from messages in tapestries and crochet, t shirts bearing political and social messages, union banners and fashion which encompass 150 years of using textiles as a means of highlighting issues and promoting conversation to bring about change.

The juxtaposition of the softness of textiles complete with some harsh and hard hitting messages is something that at times makes you laugh, and other times shocks, but you’re not left in any doubt about the messaging. Some are more subtle than others but signage on all of the artworks enable you to read about the stories behind the pieces.

For those not old enough to remember, or not from South Australia, one of the pieces in the exhibition is Don Dunstan’s hot pink short, shorts.  Some background information on Don Dunstan; he was the Premier of SA in 1967 & 1968 and again from 1970 to 1979 and was quite radical and forward thinking in his time, having a deep commitment to social justice.

Quite a lot of his reforms, including in sex discrimination, and Aboriginal land rights were the first of their kind in Australia. He was also instrumental in a number of social welfare reforms, heritage protection, anti-discrimination laws, and environmental protection amongst others.

So the story behind the pink shorts was that he wore them to the South Australian Parliament in 1972 and was famously photographed for the afternoon newspaper wearing the shorts, along with a tight white shirt, and knee high white socks, and a beaming smile while standing on the steps of Adelaide’s grey and conservative Parliament House. The stunt was a defiant rejection of the political and social conservatism of the time and was seen as a challenge to Adelaide’s political and social establishments, the heterosexual masculinity and old British colonial norms.

Amongst the other clothing and costumes there’s also a gown designed by Adelaide fashion designer Paul Vasileff, whose company Paolo Sebastian has designed many ethereal gowns for the rich and famous. The gown of tulle with metal beading, like most of his designs, is breathtakingly beautiful.

The centrepiece of the clothing display is the tartan wedding dress, designed by Vivienne Westwood and worn by Kate Moss in 1994, and there are some outrageously colourful costumes as worn on RuPaul’s Drag Race and the kitchy, pop art, SA Great Glamour Kaftan designed by another Adelaide designer, Frida Las Vegas. The kaftan features iconic South Australian images, wildlife and flora.

 The exhibition ends on 30^th March and the cost to see it while you can, is $30 for Adults.

Enjoy!

Glenys