bocs

The gallery reopens after the November flooding with a show of new work by Manchester based Scottish artist Naomi Lethbridge.

With an installation that eerily echoes the recent fate of the gallery; the artist will show work addressing the themes of abundance and excess, in both the subject matter and methods of the work. The work examines the abundance that has fuelled empire, expansion, progress and wars, and the reduction of such bounties to commodities and curiosities.

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Visually, Naomi’s work appeals to me due to its use of multiples and repetition. I am also drawn to her choice of materials, such as cardboard, and use of bright colours. Naomi often incorporates recognizable objects and images which, when altered in some way, can result in a shift in meaning.

Ideas and methods of collecting and ordering are apparent in the work, almost like a visual taxonomy, attesting Naomi’s efforts to find ’something permanent’ and ‘absorb’ her surroundings. Her work is sharp and witty, often with a dark humour, combining references from anthropology and history with (those from) popular culture and the kitsch.

I find her work exciting and look forward to see where it may take her in the future.

Naomi Lethbridge is Siân Green’s choice for the christmas bocs nadolig exhibition.