The Best in Show exhibition series is an annual fixture in the Objectspace calendar. Inaugurated in 2005, the aim is to showcase Objectspace's selection of talented emerging applied arts graduates from tertiary institutions around New Zealand. Areas of practice covered in 2011 by these 'diamonds in the rough' include graphic design, digital design, textiles, ceramics, contemporary jewellery and furniture.

These sixteen bachelor-level graduates display a consistent level of polish that belies the relatively limited amount of time spent in their respective fields. Each of the exhibitors displays either a limited edition, one-off, or specialist type of production and this often entails few compromises when it comes to construction materials, aesthetic decisions and other artistic concerns. Some of the concepts addressed include: the energy within objects; randomness; contrasts and purposes within natural materials; popular traditions; class; graffiti; commercial branding; digital communication; apocalypse; ruins; obsolescence; nurturing; growth; and the visual language of experimental music.

Best in Show 2011 features graduates from: AUT University (Te Wananga Aronui o Tamaki Tamaki Makaurau), Hungry Creek Art and Craft School, Manukau School of Visual Arts (Te Whare Takiura o Manukau), Massey University (Te Kunenga ki Purehuroa), Unitec Department of Design and Visual Arts (Te Whare Wananga o Wairaka), Whitireia (Te Kura Matatini o Whitireia).

Makers:

Matthew Broodryk, Rafe Copeland, Erin Cretney, Corrina Hoseason, Kristy Johnstone, Sophie Laurs, Carol Leung, Julia Middleton, Lucy Pierpoint, Sarah Read, Mark Seeney, Kvetoslava Flora Sekanova, Sarah Walker-Holt, Abi Woollcombe, Amy Yalland, Yang Zhang

A digital publication is available for this exhibition, and substantial Best in Show 2011 print feature will appear in the upcoming issue of Threaded magazine, availlable soon.

Related event: Best in Show 2011, exhibition floortalk, Saturday 19 February, 11:00-11:30am (free).