GRETAL FERGUSON

Hidden Labour explores the still prevalent perception of female fragility, and in contrast, the unacknowledged strength acquired through the minimised struggles endured simply existing in society. Starting from flat copper sheet these objects are meticulously formed by hand through thousands of hammer blows, yet all trace of this labour is hidden beneath a layer of white, making the work appear simple, delicate, and fragile.

Perceived as porcelain, the work would be expected to shatter if dropped, but the copper beneath enables the piece to bend and not break. Affected, but still functional.

Displayed in the manner of decorative plates the hanging method not only hints at women’s societally expected domesticity, but also their frequent objectification, regardless of their place in the world.

With the newest wave of politicisation of women’s bodily autonomy, utilising the most universal iconography to represent women allows the audience to imbue the objects with their own meaning.

Gretal Ferguson is an Adelaide based silversmith and object maker. She trained at the Design Centre in Enmore before completing her Masters in Jewellery, Silversmithing, and Related Products at Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery. On her return to Australia, Gretal moved to Adelaide and completed the Associate Program at JamFactory and is now a tenant of the Jewellery and Metal Studio.

Hidden Labour, 2023
Powder coated copper, brass
400mm L x 100mm W x 350mm H
$7,500