A Soft Touch
1 July – 13 August 2023
4A centre for contemporary asian art, sydney
Artists: Soraya Abidin, Anney Bounpraseuth, Andrew Chan, Paula do Prado, Mehwish Iqbal, Kait James, Yasbelle Kerkow, Haneen Mahmood Martin, Ema Shin & Siying Zhou
Curator: Sophia Cai
A Soft Touch brings together contemporary artists whose practices engage visually and conceptually with the material ‘softness’ of textiles but whose works clearly embody values of empowerment and resistance. Speaking from a range of feminist, queer, migrant and decolonial positionalities, the artists of A Soft Touch invite audiences to recognise the importance of living in the world with softness at heart and what possibilities are granted by these expressions.
Click here to read the curatorial essay + view the room sheet
Click here to listen to a talk by curator Sophia Cai on the exhibition
PUblic PROGRAMS
Unforbidden Fruit: Platter Painting with Anney Bounpraseuth
Saturday 8 July 2023, 2-5pm
Inspired by Anney Bounpraseuth’s artwork in A Soft Touch, participants will paint a ceramic fruit platter with “exotic” Asian fruits in a simple folk art style.
As you embark on this journey, indulge your senses with a delectable selection of Asian fruits thoughtfully displayed on the platter. Sample these delightful treasures while discovering their names in both English and Lao, allowing yourself to be embraced by the linguistic tapestry that unites cultures and fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of diversity.
This workshop also pays homage to the Asian tradition of sharing fruit as a gesture of love and hospitality.
4A Kids: Painting with Anney Bounpraseuth
Saturday 8 July 2023, 10am-2pm
Decorate a totes amazing tote bag for keeps with artist Anney Bounpraseuth.
Inspired by Anney’s artwork, kids will use fabric pens and upcycled print fabrics to create an environmentally friendly and functional work of art. Not only will they learn about some unusual tropical fruits and how to draw them, but they will also get to taste them during the break.
Closing weekend: Artist talks
Saturday 12 August 2023, 2-4pm
Join the artists of A Soft Touch as they discuss their conceptual and material work. With Siying Zhou, Andrew Chan, Haneen Mahmood Martin & Yasbelle Kerkow.
Pattern/Perception. Photo by Anna Hay.
4A Presents: Pattern / Perception
Friday 11 August, 6-9pm
Experience a world where fashion, performance, and movement converge to challenge stereotypes and empower self-expression. Join 4A for the closing weekend celebration of A Soft Touch through Soft Touch: Pattern / Perception, an exploration of visual and movement culture.
Witness an emerging slow fashion and performance art collaboration featuring Sook Studio x Davina, Felynn x Loc Nguyen, and Andrew Chan x Dyan Tai. Together, they offer a fresh perspective that goes beyond societal norms. Delight in the vogue and ballroom showcase presented by House of Iman, paying tribute to the queer and migrant dance community in Australia. Adding to the ambiance is the eclectic soundscape curated by DJ Fried Pork Chop and a live performance by Elle Shimada, taking you on a journey through diverse musical genres from the diaspora, spanning from club beats to new-jazz and experimental R&B.
Pattern / Perception invites you to break free from conformity, explore the transformative power of fashion, and embrace the beauty of individual expression. Programmed by Zev Tropp.