Curating Craft: Body As Measure

The ‘Body as Measure’ seminar presents an exploration into a range of themes such as wearability, the performative nature of craft and jewellery practices, and the physicality involved in making and wearing. The seminar is set against the backdrop of contemporary socio-political biases, where the body has increasingly become a focal point of aggressive marketing strategies and a resource exploited for labour within the global economy.  Could the material-based art and craft practices, originating from and centred around the body, offer a refreshing perspective on the body's role in today's society? This approach emphasises respect for bodily integrity and fosters a direct engagement with materials and making processes that overcome the acceleration imposed by a highly commercialised global market. Staged as a series of dialogues between artists, educators and curators including Lauren Kalman, matt lambert, Anders Ljungberg, Bella Neyman, Anna Mlasowsky and Yuka Oyama, the seminar will delve into the transformative potential of craft-based practices that utilise the body as both a point of departure and a contextual framework. The event will be held in English and will not be streamed online. This seminar is a collaborative effort involving Current Obsession, Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm and Undisciplined Podcast – with an aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of body-related practices. Supported by Stockholm Craft Week and IASPIS – the Swedish Arts Grants Committee's International Programme for Visual and Applied Arts.