Museum of Brisbane and Warwick Art Gallery have snagged a stunning, award-winning art project. Starting in July, you’ll be able to gaze upon the magnificent Red Dress, a globe-spanning garment that perfectly embodies the balance between interconnectedness and self-expression, conceived by British artist Kirstie Macleod.
From 2009 to 2023, pieces of The Red Dress travelled the globe, and were embroidered on by a total of 380 people: 367 women, 11 men and two non-binary artists from 51 countries, including refugees, asylum seekers, survivors of war and disadvantaged women worldwide.
The poignant piece is constructed from 87 panels of burgundy silk dupion and holds a Guinness World Record for the largest collaborative embroidery project. Now complete, the 6.8kg dress is covered with an estimated one to 1.5 billion stitches, weighted with
stories that signify the link between artisans and first-time embroiderers and diverse audiences worldwide.
In fact, Brisbane itself is well-represented in it, with our own AllThreads community creating a detailed and highly skilled embroidery for Australia’s contribution to the project, capturing our country’s unique landscape, flora and fauna.
Every embroiderer with a commissioned contribution received compensation along with a share of exhibition fees and merchandise sales for The Red Dress, which has been exhibited in major galleries, and is coming Down Under for the first time ever.
As Museum of Brisbane CEO & Director Zoe Graham said, The Red Dress is a profoundly significant piece, curating the collective voices and lived experiences of hundreds of embroiderers, including local artists, into a single, powerful work that speaks to resilience, identity and shared humanity.
“Kirstie Macleod’s extraordinary 14-year project not only elevates the stories of women and marginalised communities worldwide but also invites Brisbane audiences to connect deeply with the human experience stitched into every thread,” Ms Graham said.
Practical information
You’ll be able to marvel at the delicate details of this thought-provoking work from Saturday, July 25 to Sunday, September 13.
The exhibition will be open from 10am to 5pm daily, and entry is free.
📍Museum of Brisbane, Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, 64 Adelaide St, Brisbane CBD