2 February - 29 March, 2017

Australian Design Centre is delighted to present Chili Philly: Crochet Social, the first major solo exhibition of crochet wearable art by Melbourne-based artist Phil Ferguson.

Ferguson creates wearable crochet pieces that take the form of ordinary, everyday objects - from tacos to teabags - which are captured as self-portraits and uploaded onto Instagram.

@chiliphilly has been wildly successful, amassing more than 140,000 followers. The experience has created extraordinary opportunities for Ferguson and given them the chance to meet more people than they ever thought possible.

Combining well-developed craft skills with a gentle, self-deprecating humour, Ferguson’s final self-portraits are a mix of video and photography that capture something of that awkward, lonely human experience. Ferguson is often called ‘The Lonely Boy’ and their use of Instagram was originally a way to make friends and find an audience for their work.

As part of the exhibition, ADC will also present a series of events and public programs inviting audiences to join the crochet craze. Join us for an adults-only ‘Cocktails and Crochet’ night, kids’ workshops, artist talks, panel discussions and a lively local makers market in Darlinghurst featuring jewellery, costumes, glitz and glamour!

Chili Philly: Crochet Social presents Ferguson’s work as a social phenomenon that sits at the nexus of art, craft and social media, challenging how we understand and represent our ideas of self today. Ultimately though, Chili Philly: Crochet Social is a celebration of the importance of friends and community.

ADC Chili Philly: Crochet Social from Australian Design Centre on Vimeo.

Chili Philly: Crochet Social events and workshops

Opening Night
Thurs 9 February, 6-8pm

The Australian Design Centre invites you to attend the opening of Chili Philly: Crochet Social, the first major solo exhibition of crochet wearable art by artist Phil Ferguson aka Chili Philly. The exhibition will be opened by Independent Member for Sydney, Alex Greenwich MP. Guests are invited to dress up in creative headwear for the opening party (optional).
RSVP Essential
Bookings


Artist In Conversation
Saturday 11 February, 2-3pm

As part of the exhibition Chili Philly: Crochet Social, Phil Ferguson (Chili Philly) will be discussing their ideas around costume, community and social media.
When: Sat 11 February
Time: 2pm-3pm
Cost: FREE
Maximum capacity: 60 pax
Venue: Australian Design Centre, 101-115 William St (corner of William and Palmer St), Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Bookings

Kids Fibre Workshop
Sat 18 February, workshops at 11am & 2pm

Crochet artist Kirsten Fredericks leads a crafty workshop exploring creative ways with fibre. Kids will learn basic skills in a fun filled environment. All materials and tools supplied.
When: Saturday, 18 February
Time: 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm (2 workshops)
Cost: $10 per participant
Suitable for ages: 8 - 12 years
Maximum capacity: 12 participants per workshop
Venue: Australian Design Centre, 101-115 William St (corner of William and Palmer St), Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Bookings

Adorned Makers Market
Sat 25 February, 10am-4pm
Venue
: ADC forecourt and Palmer St, Darlinghurst
Following on from the success of our Clay Intersections Makers Market, ADC is hosting Adorned. We're invited 20 of our favourite local makers and designers to sell original, handmade items. The market is curated to include work spanning jewellery, accessories, headware and more, with a focus on adornment in the lead-up to the Mardi Gras Parade weekend.
Free. No booking required.
More information here

Crafty Ways with Social Media
Wednesday 1 March, 6-8pm
Hosted by Jess Scully, featuring Phil Ferguson (Chili Philly), Nikita Margarita (Doodad and Fandango) and Pete Hong, Director of Brand & Content Strategy at Storyful, this is an industry panel discussion for designers and makers around the role of social media, harnessing new audiences and promoting creative practice.
When: Wednesday, 1 March
Time: 6pm-8pm
Cost: $10
Maximum capacity: 60 pax
Venue: Australian Design Centre, 101-115 William St (corner of William and Palmer St), Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Bookings

Cocktails & Crochet SOLD OUT
Thursday 2 March, 6-8pm
Join us in the gallery for an evening of creativity and cocktails. Artist Kirsten Fredricks and Phil Ferguson (Chili Philly) share 101 crochet skills whilst discussing their inspiration and crochet adventures. Enjoy a cocktail created by the Archie Rose Distilling Co. while you create and check out our current exhibitions Chili Philly: Crochet Social and Edge In: Annie Gobel. All materials and tools supplied.
When: Thursday, 2 March
Time: 6pm-8pm
Cost: $30 inc beverages
Maximum capacity: 60 pax
Venue: Australian Design Centre, 101-115 William St (corner of William and Palmer St), Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Bookings

East Sydney Art @ Night
8 March, Art Month, 6-8pm
The gallery will be open late for one-night only. Drop by to view ADC’s current exhibitions Chili Philly: Crochet Social and Edge In: Annie Gobel. Our Object Shop will be open and offering a special Art @ Night one-off discount.


More of ADC 2017 Exhibition program here

Government Partner:

Presenting Partner:

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras