Susan
Collis uses a variety of techniques and strategies to investigate issues
concerning interpretation, craft, value and labour. Everyday objects are
presented etched, splattered and stained with marks of work, wear and tear. At
first glance, the marks seem to be the accidental results of normal use, and as
such seem meaningless and not worthy of examination. Collis is interested in
the shift of perception that takes place upon discovery that they are, in fact,
careful, intentional acts, and that the materials used are traditionally valued
for their financial or decorative properties. A tired stepladder covered with
paint drips from years of use has been simulated by the meticulous inlaying of
diamonds, pearls, opals and other prized materials. A bucket catching a drip
from the gallery ceiling may not be the result of neglect, rather a complex
staging of pumps, water-tanks and false walls to artificially create the
scenario. Typically works involve momentous amounts of often hidden labour to
create an object that may easily go unnoticed, but is replete with value, be it
material or conceptual. Much of Collis’ work can go un-noticed and this visual
gamble results in a possible conceptual pay-off that rewards concerted
investigation by the viewer.
Recent solo
exhibitions include When we loved you best of all at Touchstones, Rochdale; The
Price of Nails at Meessen de Clercq, Brussels; Since I fell for you, Ikon,
Birmingham; Twice Removed, Espacio Minimo, Madrid.
Group
exhibitions include Lifelike at Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, touring to New
Orleans Museum of Art, Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego and Blanton Museum
of Art, Austin, Texas; The Workers at MASS MoCA, De-building at Christchurch
Art Gallery, New Zealand; La Vie Mode d’Emploi (Life a User’s Manual) at
Messeen De Clerq, Brussels; MYSTICS or RATIONALISTS? at Ingleby Gallery,
Edinburgh; False documents and other illusions, Portland Museum of Art, Maine;
Bizarre Perfection, The Israel Museum, Jerusalem; Apparently Invisible, The
Drawing Center, NY; At Your Service, The David Roberts Foundation, London and
Out of the Ordinary, The V&A Museum, London.
Venue name:
Seventeen
Address:
270-276 Kingsland Rd London E8 4DG
Opening
hours: Wed-Sat 11am-6pm
Transport:
Haggerston Overground
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