KATE JUST

knitted acrylic and wool, oak, timber, board is 60 x 60 cm


knitted acrylic and wool, oak, timber, board is 65 x 65 cm
Hand knitted acrylic, plywood, oak, board is 64 x 64cm



 
In her series PROTEST SIGNS Kate Just translates a brief  message into the long labor of knitting.
Protest signs are a means of conveying a concise and impactful message siding with a movement. It’s about transferring power by distilling complex issues or demands into short, memorable statements. These messages can be easily understood. Just's unique extends the lifespan of these typically disposable signs through the art of knitting.

This collection of knitted protest signs tackles a wide spectrum of pressing social and political issues in our contemporary society. These include feminism, addressing sexual harassment and assault, advocating for reproductive freedom, promoting LGBTQIA+ pride and combatting discrimination, addressing racism, sexism, transphobia, and raising awareness about ecological crises.



knitted acrylic and wool, canvas, timber, 86.5 x 56cm


        Knitting, as an art form, carries a rich history intertwined with political movements spanning centuries. During times of war, women on the home front would use their knitting skills to craft necessities such as socks for soldiers. More recently, the AIDS Memorial Quilt featured numerous hand-knitted panels as a poignant tribute to those lost to the disease.

What makes knitting particularly compelling is its inherently nonviolent nature. It provides a peaceful avenue for expressing dissent and advocating for change. Handmade items, including these knitted protest signs, carry a profound sense of personal investment and care. When observers witness knitters dedicating their time and effort to a cause, it often fosters a sense of shared purpose.

Interestingly, protests typically involve gathering or targeting crowds, and it's fascinating to note that organic gatherings like knitting groups and circles provide a space for individuals with shared values and concerns to come together. Within these communities, discussions on pertinent issues take place, and plans for collective action often emerge while knitting needles click in unison.




knitted acrylic and wool, canvas, timber, board is 50 x 58 cm










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