Mackenzie Kelly-Frère

Associate Professor, Fibre

“My current research is focused on the application of complex, non-repeating sequences to ancient textile structures. This research encompasses calligraphic mark-making on threads and traditional Japanese techniques for resist dyeing. Theoretical connections between writing and weaving, text and textile are also being examined. Other foci include algorithmic pattern generation for knitted objects and sustainable textile studio practices.”

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Mackenzie Kelly-Frère is an artist, writer and educator currently living in Calgary, Canada. He has contributed texts to various Canadian and international publications including Craft Perception & Practice Vol III and recently to Textile: The Journal of Cloth and Culture. Mackenzie’s work has been exhibited across Canada, including the Alberta Biennial of Contemporary Art: The News from Here in 2013 and Lieux de memoire: International biennale du lin du Portneuf in Deschambault-Grondines, Quebec in 2009. His international exhibitions have included China, Japan, Korea and the United States where he also participated in a residency at the Museum of Contemporary Craft in Portland, Oregon. In 2014 Mackenzie mounted a solo exhibition titled Frequency for GalleryGallery in Kyoto, Japan.

Member of ACAD Faculty since 2006.

Education

MFA Textiles, Nova Scotia College of Art.

BFA Textiles, Alberta College of Art + Design. 

Selected Professional Activity

Frequency, GalleryGallery, Kyoto, Japan,2014

Continuum, Alberta Craft Council Feature Gallery, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, 2014

In the Making, Illingworth Kerr Gallery, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2014

The News from Here: Alberta Biennial of Contemporary Art, Alberta Gallery of Art, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, 2013

Laurie Herrick: Weaving Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, Museum of Contemporary Craft, Portland, Oregon, USA. [travelling], 2011

Lieux de memoire, Maison de la Culture Marie-Uguay, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 2010

(im)material beauty, MFA thesis exhibition, Anna Leonowens Gallery, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2005

Selected Publications

Frere, Mackenzie. “When the studio becomes the spectacle: a reluctant itinerant weaver talks about the weather in Alberta” Textile: The Journal of Cloth and Culture, ed. Lisa Vinebaum & Kirsty Robertson, Bloomsbury, UK [issue forthcoming].

Morton,Bill. Tinctorium.  [exhibition catalogue]. “Bill Morton: Tinctorium”. Mackenzie Frere. Calgary: Stride Gallery, 2012. 25-31. Print.

Frere, Mackenzie. “(Im)material Beauty”. Craft Perception & Practice: a Canadian Discourse. Ed. Paula Gustafson, Nisse Gustafson and Amy Gogarty. Vancouver: Ronsdale P, 2002. Vol.1 of 3 vols to date. 107-112. Print.

Selected Awards

ACAD Leadership Excellence Award Recipient, 2014