January 18, 2021

Crafting A Difference

Crafting a Difference at SoShiro is a physical exhibition of innovative craftsmanship housed in a beautiful Marylebone townhouse. A virtual version of the exhibition will be launched on the 18th January and will run until the 30th April. ‘In-person’ exhibit appointments at SoShiro will be available once government guidelines allow. To view and purchase please visit: soshiro.co

Five London-based contemporary craft and visual arts galleries have forged an unprecedented relationship to bring together an ambitiously diverse selection of work in early 2021. ‘Crafting a Difference’ at SoShiro gallery, is a positively defiant act of coming together at a time when so many have been forced apart.

The exhibition is the brainchild of curator Brian Kennedy: “The craft sector has been hit hard by the pandemic, yet it’s also been a very creative time for many makers, artists and gallerists. For ‘Crafting a Difference’, not only do we have makers from Kenya, France, Spain, Japan, Argentina, China, UK, USA, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, Brazil, Scandinavia, Chile, Korea, Iceland, Vietnam, but a wide mix of materials and methods are being explored. Our intention is clear: to illustrate that now, more than ever, the process of creation, is undeniably a deep-rooted, unifying force.”

Work in ceramics, wood, glass, metals, textiles, and paper by over seventy-five artists will be exhibited across four floors of the Georgian townhouse, that is SoShiro. The lower floors feature work in the context of a gallery space, whereas the top two floors display pieces in the context of a residential interior.

“It’s incredibly exciting to host the debut of ‘Crafting A Difference’ at SoShiro and to welcome visitors in person to our space” says SoShiro founder Shiro Muchiri. “With all eyes on London during the London Art Fair and Collect, this show brings together over 200 objects from across the globe, focusing on the beauty of making and all the varied elements intrinsic to work created by hand.”

1. Cavaliero Finn has built up an exceptional reputation for showcasing the finest works from emerging and established artists and makers.

Frances Priest (Scotland)

Ikuko Iwamoto (England)

2. Jaggedart represents artists working in painting, photography, works on paper and three-dimensional pieces. There is a particular emphasis on the unusual and delicate use of materials.

Max Brainbridge (England)

Kazuhito Takadoi (Japan)

3. MADEINBRITALY showcases contemporary applied arts and collectible design, aimed at reviving the connection between Italy and the UK.

Andrea Salvatori (Italy)

Bottega Vignoli (Italy)

4. Ting-Ying Gallery stimulates ongoing dialogues between East and West, tradition and innovation, function, and aesthetics.

Helen O’Shea (Ireland)

Liang Wanying (China)

5. Vessel Gallery is a long-established source for all those who appreciate contemporary art-glass, sculpture, and decorative lighting.

Nina Casson McGarva (France)

Vanessa Hogge (England)

Brian Kennedy is an independent curator working predominantly in the craft and applied arts. His exhibitions have been held in Dublin, New York, Geneva, Basel, Milan, and London.

Shiro Muchiri launched her design career in Nairobi before practising interior architecture in Milan and London. While working on her own furniture and accessories collections she opened SoShiro, in Marylebone, showcasing cross cultural exploratory work.

Crafting A Difference coincides with the London Art Fair (18th January – 7th February) and Collect (26th February – 30th April). All 5 galleries are taking part in both the London Art Fair and Collect’s digital shows.