Episode 21 - Maud Whatley

02/19/24 • 48 min

Liminal Gallery Podcast host, Louise Fitzjohn, speaks with contemporary artist Maud Whatley to coincide with her first solo exhibition 'Haunches' in our Main Space at Liminal Gallery in Margate. The exhibition showcases Whatley's coloured pencil drawings which layer images sourced from art-historical paintings, online archives, personal photographs, and Google image results. Her work explores the politics of observation, the eroticism born from juxtaposing disparate ideas, and the alluring, unconventional nature of repetitive drawing techniques.

In ‘Haunches’ Whatley looks at the intricate relationship between human perception and the dissection of animal bodies, drawing inspiration from historical events such as the untimely demise of champion racehorse Phar Lap in 1932. The pictures explore symbolic and literal acts of dissecting, separating, and categorising; paralleling the way that Phar Lap's body parts were archived across various museums. Through evocative storytelling, Whatley connects these narratives to the way we compartmentalise and box up the aspects of ourselves and our experiences which we consider too gross, too animalistic, or too much.

Experimenting with diverse references, including the Sumerian poem ‘Gilgamesh and the Bull of Heaven’ and the insights of philosopher Slavoj Žižek, Whatley presents ideas about the interplay between our curated public personas and the leaking truths that linger beneath the surface. Weaving themes of erotic potential, mythic allure and the interconnectedness of all things through her drawings, her works present a gentle case for revelling in the complex strangeness of the human experience.

Visit the Online Viewing Room here:

https://www.liminal-gallery.com/maud-whatley-haunches

With original music by Lorenzo Bonari.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Visit the Online Viewing Room here:

https://www.liminal-gallery.com/maud-whatley-haunches

With original music by Lorenzo Bonari.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

Episode 20 - Mercedes Workman

Liminal Gallery Podcast host, Louise Fitzjohn, speaks with contemporary artist Mercedes Workman to coincide with 'Turner's Female Contemporaries' a solo exhibition in our second exhibition space, The Cupboard at Liminal Gallery in Margate. The exhibition brings to light the forgotten, yet remarkably talented women artists of the past.

‘Turner's Female Contemporaries’ presents a meticulously crafted and entirely tiled space, unveiling the faces of female artists who have long been overlooked by history, each of whom were creating their own work during J. M. W. Turner’s lifetime. Mercedes Workman's installation serves as a poignant reminder of the many talented women artists who have, for the most part, been denied the recognition they rightfully deserved. This exhibition shines a much-needed spotlight on their remarkable contributions to the art world and seeks to rectify the historical omission.

The Cupboard is Liminal Gallery’s second exhibition space, tiny but sleek it is exclusively available to artists living and working in Thanet. Workman will transform it into a shrine-like space, with individual ceramic tiles, each handmade with the warp and weft reminding us of the artist's hand. The faces of these forgotten women artists expressed through vigorous brushwork and meticulous mark-making pouring life and energy into their portraits.

Mercedes Workman’s work is a response to her overactive mind; she works both fast and determinedly. Reoccurring themes include relationships and interactions, perceptions, judgements, idiosyncrasies and cliches, particularly around womanhood, motherhood and identity.

Her practice centres around her passion for ceramics combined with drawing from life and illustrative work expressed in vigorous brush work and mark making. ‘I hope to create something familiar and comforting, with an energy that’s easy to live with,’ says the artist.

Workman recently had a solo exhibition ‘ABC of Me’ at TKE Studios, where she is also a Studio Holder, as well as 'Small is Beautiful' a recent group exhibition at Flowers Gallery in Cork Street, London.

Mercedes Workman lives and works in Margate, Kent.

Read the full press release here:

https://www.liminal-gallery.com/turners-female-contemporaries

With original music by Lorenzo Bonari.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next Episode

Episode 22 - Laura Ford

Liminal Gallery Podcast host, Louise Fitzjohn, speaks with internationally renowned contemporary artist Laura Ford, to coincide with her solo exhibition ' ‘Little Lords’ in Liminal Gallery's Main Space in Margate. The exhibition showcases a collection of sculptural and wall-based works which explore the boundaries between desire and imposition, inviting viewers into the realm of play and imagination.

Laura Ford's 'Little Lords' sculptures take centre stage, portraying three boy-like figures adorned in vibrant, parrot-inspired costumes. The figures exude a conspiratorial charisma, commanding attention with their playful yet enigmatic presence. While mimicking the stances of superheroes, their concealed identities add an air of tension, prompting viewers to ponder the question: who are they?

Ford's multifarious practice combines playful craftsmanship with acute social commentary. ‘Little Lords’ provides an immersive experience, where visitors can engage with the sculptures' intricate details and delve into the artist's exploration of identity, fantasy, and the human condition.

Ford's significant contributions to the art world are reflected in her inclusion in prestigious public collections, including Tate, The Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Government Art Collection. Laura Ford has represented Wales in the Venice Biennale and has exhibited in solo and group shows around the world.

Visit the Online Viewing Room here:

https://www.liminal-gallery.com/laura-ford-little-lords

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.