The Gallery
SmileA Ruthin Craft Centre Touring Exhibition
13 November - 09 January 2011
Abbott and Ellwood | Julie Arkell | Janet Bolton | Lucy Casson | Michael Flynn | Eleanor Glover | Jo Lawrence
Lindsey Mann | Linda Miller | Craig Mitchell | Deirdre Nelson | Robert Race | Freddie Robins
Curated by Mary La Trobe-Bateman
This exhibition by 13 contemporary makers invites a response, perhaps a smile of surprise, perhaps a recognition of charm, sometimes a wry acknowledgement. The response is not necessarily immediate - many of the pieces need time to be looked at, they invite attention to their detail and an interpretation of their message.
Highlights of the show are Lucy Casson’s tin and metal work, inspired by observations of people and animals; their gestures and moods; scenarios and narratives. Abbott & Ellwood also use painted and printed metal, making fresh, creative designs with bold colour. Contemporary folk artist, Julie Arkell, works in papier-mâché and mixed media, the results of which are magical, charming and fascinating. Freddie Robbins practice questions conformity and notions of normality, and intersects the categorisation of art and craft. She uses knitting to explore pertinent contemporary issues of the domestic, gender and the human condition. Robert Race makes traditional toys, but his work covers a wide range: Moving toys for children and adults; simple automata; kinetic sculpture; exhibition design; mobile decorations for hospitals and restaurants; donation boxes and interactive collections of toys for museums. He tries to make things which move in simple but interesting ways.
All the work has an element of fun and sophisticated humour and is guaranteed to make you smile!
