Tension Tension Tension

I have just had such a fun two weeks. I've been working in Derbyshire, at Kedleston Hall, helping Susie MacMurray with her installation named 'Promenade'
The installation consists of lengths of golden thread wrapped between pillars to form a maze like structure. Inspiration was taken from various places around Kedleston; the peacock dress - a dress entirely covered with golden embroidery resembling the shape and texture of peacock feathers, the guilding that covers almost every decorative chair leg, mirror/picture frame and window within the hall, and the idea of journeys and the grand tour - a theme that is consistent throughout the Kedleston Hall museum.

I have really enjoyed working on this installation, (despite the silly early mornings and almost constant grumpiness!), gaining alot of insight into public art and meeting some wonderful people! I already miss it and can't wait for the private view and to hear some reactions to it!



day one...


where the threads cross


day two


criss-crossed threads


day three


thick bands of gold


subtle crossing


that friday feeling


day six


view from below the crossings


finally finished.

Ernesto Neto - The Edges of the World

I haven't updated this in a while but theres alot going on! And I havent done much of any note anyway.
But...this weekend we made a trip to the Hayward Gallery at the Southbank Centre in London.
Ernesto Neto had created an installation called The Edges of the World. A selection of sculptures described as 'body/space/landscapes', with sensory experiences, morphing into one another through various forms. All structures were made from individual pieces of wood slotted together without a fixative (such as glue or nails), holding their shapes just through gravity.
It was a wonderful experience, I enjoy art that I feel encouraged to interact with.






two views above the suspended layer of cloth..it was like looking across a strange, alien landscape...the smooth textures and gentle curvature.



curves and undulations weighted with stones




the outdoor sculpture pool. swimming in this pool encourages the viewer to almost become a part of the sculpture.


another outdoor sculpture.


view of the tunnel, fabric stretched over the wooden 'skeleton' gives an organic, animal appearance. it was almost as if we were walking through the inside of some giant creature.






within one section of the tunnel there were shaped pockets with chamomile and lavender sewn into them. an interesting experience to walk through this surreal tunnel, getting brief sweet smells.




there was a section where viewers were invited to take off their shoes and walk across the stretched fabric. this was my favourite experience; when pressure was placed on it, the fabric stretched down to the solid floor, challenging perceptions and causing loss of balance and orientation.