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‘Deep Sky Meanderings’ by Katja Abbott - Alpaca felt. -
‘The way is open’ by Katja Abbott - Felted merino & embroidery thread. -
‘Ogalu’ by Margaret Courtney-Clarke - Karakul wool. -
‘Unmade I’ by Nina Kruger - Dry Felting Protea Fibres, Alpaca Fleece & Polyester Netting.
A new generation of South African fibre artists takes centre stage at Innovative Threads II.
PHOTOS Courtesy of RK Contemporary
Innovative Threads II returns to RK Contemporary from 2–30 August 2026, with an exhibition spotlighting eight South African contemporary fibre artists.
Originally founded by Margie Garratt in 1996, Innovative Threads championed contemporary fibre art long before the medium gained the widespread recognition it enjoys today. The exhibition established an international reputation over a decade of touring exhibitions in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Japan and New Zealand. With Margie’s blessing, Astrid McLeod, owner and curator of RK Contemporary, has revived the exhibition that helped shape her own journey into the contemporary art world, with the aim of re-establishing it as an annual celebration of innovation, creativity and contemporary fibre art.
“What excites me most about this exhibition is the individuality of the artists. Although they all work with fibre, no two approach the medium in the same way, creating work that reflects distinctly different perspectives and challenges traditional perceptions of textile art. Each artist brings a completely different perspective, making this an exhibition full of discovery, conversation and unexpected connections,” says Astrid McLeod, owner and curator of RK Contemporary.
From deconstructed protea fibres and meditative patchwork to sculptural felt vessels and hand-woven wool works, the exhibition features works by Katja Abbott, Willemien de Villiers, Dineo Ponde Mafora, Leah Johnson, Leila Walter, Nina Kruger, Virginia McKenny & Margaret Courtney-Clarke and Berdine van der Mescht.
More than a showcase of exceptional textile practice, Innovative Threads II demonstrates how contemporary artists are redefining the possibilities of fibre.
Innovative Threads II is showing at RK Contemporary, 32 Main Street, Riebeek-Kasteel from 2–30 August 2026. | rkcontemporary.com
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