Identity Crisis: Mary Schepisi

We are delighted to present the new series of textile works by the artist and well-known philanthropist Mary Schepisi. Through the intimacy of embroidery and the thoughtful integration of found fabric pieces, IDENTITY CRISIS questions the allure of the fashion industry and challenges its mass consumption.

‘HOMAGE TO LOUISE BOURGEOIS / LOCKDOWN’

I started this series during lockdown in 2019, drawn to stitching repeated images and lines and to Indigenous abstract images. Inspired by Louise Bourgeois' ‘Insomnia Drawings’ I would sit for hours and stitch on old pieces of fabric… and then I found designer shoe bags with the designers name or brand on it which led to…

‘IDENTITY CRISIS’

Why are we obsessed with labels, with brand names, with conforming to the latest trends. Why are we walking advertisements?

Why do we buy things? Why do we feel we are expected to look a certain way that we need new things.

Why does it matter what the label is on our jeans? Why is retail therapy a thing? Why do we spend money on things we do not need? Why is it so easy to shop online?

These are the questions I have been asking myself.

Mary Schepisi is a contemporary American/Australian artist working in a wide range of mediums including painting, drawing, embroidery, needlepoint and mixed media. Her work is original, always developing in new ways whether needlepointing birds, embroidering words, or exploring new techniques.