This exhibition explores the adornment of forms and the handmade by working through repetitive tasks to transform familiar objects into something seductive and strange. The pieces are decorative and playful, with a hidden sinister edge. On first encounter, one experiences the works as spangled objects of psychedelic fun, however, these objects quickly become frenetically charged upon closer examination. There is nothing blasé or carefree about these sparkling surfaces: the sequins are secured with sharp pointed pins.

The “Pin Spirals” series uses sequins to cover the surface of found cardboard document tubes. While “Shiny Spinning Thing” and “Target Practice” are bright and colourful, these sculptures use white and natural coloured sequins to create a smooth exterior, in contrast to the sharp and dangerous materiality of the inside of the structures. With these works, the labor is evident as the pins used are visible through the tube. The dramatic clusters of pins have been used to create a series of abstracted images, printed onto a metal substrate, echoing the metallic pins used to create the pattern of infinity.

A response by Sarah E.K. Smith accompanied the exhibition. Click here to read it.

Press for the exhibition at The Red Head Gallery, Toronto, from March 27 – April 20, 2013:

• NOW Magazine Must See Show, April 11.
• ArtSync ArtChat, Interview, Rogers Cable, April 5.
• NOW Magazine Must See Show, March 28.
• BlogTO Radar, March 27.

Images courtesy of isaacstrang.com.

Thank you to the Ontario Arts Council for the support of this exhibition.