THE VISITORS:
My final folio is an installation in soft sculpture.
The focal point of this installation is a central figure which is larger than life in scale. This central figure is modelled on myself but is also representative of each of us. The central figure is female. Surrounding and near her are smaller figures that are visitors, people on her mind, memories of people , people of influence, people from dream scapes, animals, friends, relevant figures from popular culture, childhood memories, memories from songs heard. The figures are close and distant, interacting with each other, vying for space, and vying for an audience while all connecting back to the central figure. Suggesting that they in total make up the whole, are part of the central figure. That one person is the sum of many.
The installation is representative of the riches drawn and the connections made in life. The presence of colour in this installation is crucial, adding an important dimension to the play of the figurative elements. The use of an intimate installation space using black as a background colour accentuates the interaction of the figures and the colour. The figures as soft sculpture are deliberate, as I wish to draw the viewer into the space to encourage movement between the figures and to view all the aspects of the work from many angles. Fabric is familiar, tactile, and warm. The use of thread further accentuates the theme of connecting.
The choice of room, in this instance a small room, complete with the homely touches of windows and a door, (and a curious ladder entrance) is critical to this installation. This room ‘works’ with its strange proportions to enhance the large central figure and it creates an environment for her that accentuates her energy and her presence. Curling, moving around the wall she commands the space but is fluid in her movement. The upright figures surrounding her are like exclamation marks! Purposely stopping the flow of the main figure and vying for her attention, for her memory of them. The Visitors being my memories re visiting my mind.