WINDOW ROOM EXHIBIT
MANDA LANE
Exhibition dates. 2 - 13 March, 2022
Opening Reception : Thur 3 March 2022, 6:00 - 8.30pm.
Manda Lane uses botanical art to explore the ways in which nature interacts with the man-made, while using nature as a visual metaphor to explore the ways in which we can rise to re-claim space.
In this hand-cut artwork, the artist has created a paper tapestry that explores the regimented nature of order, versus the loose, free-flowing order of nature, Inspired by traditional knitting patterns, this piece plays with topics typically associated with domestic femininity, including flowers, knitting and papercraft. However, within the artwork itself, the natural world rises up to subtly integrate itself into the knitted design, pushing through to disrupt the regimented pattern of order, and creating ripples of tension throughout
Exhibition view
Interview with artist: Manda Lane
1. Can you discuss the tension between the ‘man-made’ and ‘natural’ themes present in your work?
I see the tension as two-fold: In the artwork, the loose, disordered imagery of botanicals creeps up into the more routine pattern of knitting loops, with odd leaves and vines cut into the scarf to disrupt that ordered pattern. The organic nature creeps in to disrupt the non-organic object of the scarf, whole the knitting needles struggle to keep up.
In a broader sense, the scarf pattern speaks of the domestic routines of suburban women, depicted by activities that are perceived to be traditionally feminine and potentially considered 'lesser activities' (eg knitting and paper-craft). The botanicals represent the reclaiming of that ordered space, that more 'disordered' uprising of femininity. While nature is still beautiful, the organic world represents more loose, unplanned ways of behaving, overtaking those traditional, ordered perceptions of what women should be and what they should do.
2. What are some of the technical considerations when working with such a delicate medium such as paper?
As a paper-cutting, there are a few technical considerations involved, including use of positive and negative space in a design - ie when to cut out or keep sections for different intent and effect. Also, the stability of the artwork, which helps inform the design too. Too much paper removed makes the artwork too weak to use for anything, learned that the hard way.
Also size! The larger it gets, the more delicate it gets, but it's a fun challenge to try push it further each time.
Q & Photography : BLACKCAT GALLERY & Isabella Imperatore