Panoply is an emergency shelter that aims to provide a place of retreat and safety in the first stage of displacement. Motivated by the uncertainty of life and a fascination for textiles and architecture, this project has been incubating for many years. This iteration of Panoply has been laboriously hand stitched over many months and utilises reclaimed fabrics and stuffing. The design elements of colour, shape, base, doors and ‘windows’ are personal to the needs of the artist with the idea that this modular approach can be adapted to the needs of different inhabitants. The main considerations are the ability to make and transport it by oneself, be able to look out but not to be looked in upon and to have multiple camouflaged points for entry/exit. These entry/exit points can also be used to join with other ‘panoplies’ to create the option of either a communal dwelling or a private one.

Kasia Töns is a textile artist working and living on Peramangk Country (Adelaide Hills). Hand embroidery and mask making are central to her practice, which sits at the intersection of art, fashion, and craft. Her process is slow and intuitive, colourful, and expressive. The labour and time invested in creating her work acts as an antidote to the fast pace of the modern world and the addictive seeking of instant gratification through digital means. Recurring thematic interests include social impacts of digital technology use, the Anthropocene, and interpersonal/interspecies relationship dynamics.

Töns has exhibited nationally and internationally and has participated in residencies in Australia, Iceland, the USA, Latvia, and the Slovak Republic. The Rothko Art Centre, Latvia holds two of her pieces as part of their permanent collection and her work was selected as a finalist for the 2021 Ramsay Art Award. She works part time as an arts mentor.