material disobedience is an exhibition and programming series that showcases contemporary craft practices that reclaim and revel in what has been labelled as the frivolously feminine, the scandalously queer, or the exotically ornamental. Rhinestones, beads, crystals, embroidery, textiles, and ceramics have all been variously perceived as symbols of “excessive” cultures or lifestyles, an association that has served to reinforce creative hierarchies and trivialize marginalized identities. By centering these trivialized materials in their work, the artists entwine visual and haptic pleasures with critical analyses of labour, gender, sex, and colonialism. These works seduce us while glittering in friction-–in the artists’ skillful handling, gendered and racial norms give way to refusal and self-creation.

The exhibition will be on view at The Lost & Found Project Space (tlaf.ca), 420 Queen St E, Toronto, from May 30 to June 20, 2026. Curated by Madeline Collins (ON), featuring Théo Bignon (QC), Molly JF Caldwell (AB), Lux Gow-Habrich (ON), and Hea R. Kim (QB).

The show will be accompanied by a hands-on craft workshop hosted by Théo Bignon at Roozamoon Café (May 29), a panel discussion with the artists at Harbourfront Studio Theatre (May 30), and an opening reception at The Lost & Found Project Space (May 30).

This exhibition and programming has been developed as part of the Openwork Project (tlaf.ca/openwork) and funded by the generous support of the Ontario Arts Council and the Toronto Arts Council. The panel discussion will be presented in partnership with Harbourfront Centre Craft & Design. We would also like to acknowledge the generous sponsorship and support of artverb* in helping to realize this exhibition.