*Artist wants to be notified if work goes on display. 2023*
Weaving, tradition, and community are central to the work of Annie Mackenzie. For the exhibition SOLO 2018 at The Dowse, Mackenzie made several handwoven works under the title 'Cubbies.' These works, including 'Aunty,' nod to domestic and utilitarian textiles, taking cues and inspiration from mass-produced items such as tea towels, prompting the question of the origin of these patterns. Mackenzie emphasizes the fact that weaving is a very ancient practice, prevalent in most cultures, and her work draws on the hsitory and culture of some of the established weaving groups the artist has worked with in recent years. Many of these organisations have been running since the 1970s, and are examples of an environment developed to sustain the production of weaving throughout Aotearoa, such as the Hut Art Society Weavers Studio and Port Nicholson Handweavers.
Mackenzie has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture from Ilam School of Fine Arts, but learnt to weave through the New Zealand Woolcrafts Association of Weavers and Spinners Guilds. Her affinity with weaving extends to a family connection, as her extended family had been weavers in Scottish mills.
The popularity of weaving waned in Aotearoa in the 1980s, with an influx of imported materials flooding the market. Mackenzie has returned to the craft of hand-weaving at a time when global supply chains for textile manufacture are under increasing pressure to address sustainability and human rights issues. Looking back to older ways of making proposes and alternative vision, reinforcing that the culture surrounding craft practices espouses a certain way of living. Textiles are part of our everyday experiences, and while the time-consuming nature of hand-weaving means it remains and exceptional art form, this series of works reminds us of vital values such as thrift, genorosity, and community.