“Wrought by Fire: Metalwork of the Southwest” seeks to challenge the traditionally male-dominated history of metalworking by highlighting the work of four women artists –– Kim Cridler (United States, b. 1968), Siri Devi Khandavilli (United States, b. India), Wanesia Misquadace (Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, b. 1971), and Agnese Udinotti (United States, b. Greece 1940). This multigenerational grouping of artists lends itself to a rich conversation about training, history, and material concerns. Through diverse alloy-based practices, the exhibition explores connections between the body, nature, labor and regional culture, revealing metalwork as both an artistic and cultural form of transformation.
“Wrought by Fire: Metalwork of the Southwest” is organized by Windgate Curatorial Fellow Sade Moore and made possible by generous funding from Windgate Charitable Foundation. This research was supported by a Craft Research Fund Grant from the Center for Craft. The exhibition is presented in collaboration with a Community of Practice composed of Sandra McClain, metal shop Manager at Phoenix Forge, Leticia Bejarano, Local Jeweler and Co-Owner of Weld-Her and Shanen L. Aranmór, MS, CWI/CWE, Chief Wellness Welder for Weld Like A Girl.
Image credit: Kim Cridler (United States, b. 1968), “Again,” 2022. Steel, butterflies (Dichorragia Nesimachus), 15 x 28 x 18 in. (38.1 x 71.1 x 45.7 cm). Courtesy of Lisa Sette Gallery
