The History and politics of pockets explored in new exhibition

On view now at the Gympie Regional Gallery, ‘Pockets Project’, is an exhibition created by Local community art group, Chatsworth MopArts. The exhibition explores the context, history and politics of ‘pockets’.  

Women’s pockets have been around for centuries. They were initially worn under clothes as a separate tied garment before eventually becoming a modern-day external fashion statement. Many were concealed and were frowned upon by men in centuries past as being irrelevant and almost contraband.

Pockets were glimpses into women’s personal lives. They were containers of small books, sewing needles and thread, pocket knives, laudanum and even poisons!

As a group of women artists, Chatsworth MopArts (Moppies) present a diverse variety of personal responses to the concept of ‘pockets’, both 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional.

From waxed paper sculptures to hand-printed pocketed aprons, recycled Art Bags, collaged pockets and more, these artists address concepts such as Pockets of Possibilities, Earth’s Deep Pockets, feminist and children’s themes.  

To complement this exhibition, Gympie Regional Gallery will be hosting a free ‘Coffee and Conversation’ on Saturday 8 October at 10.30am.

‘Pockets Project’ is available to view until Saturday, 5 November 2022.

Entry to the Gympie Regional Gallery at 39 Nash Street is free, with opening hours from 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday.

For more information, or to make bookings for workshops and themed activities, visit www.gympie.qld.gov.au/gallery or call 5481 0733.

Image credit: Heather Murphy, ‘Pocket Monsters’, 2022, Charmaine Lyons Photography.