Material Intelligence

An exhibition bringing together eight contemporary artists who use materials in intuitive and inventive ways.

Their materials come from the world around us; from fresh-cut straw to face cream. Each artist’s approach is different. Shirley Tse is interested in plastic, and makes poetic objects that exploit its qualities. Small worlds are created by Ian Kiaer from blocks of polystyrene, rubber, plastic bowls and soiled cardboard boxes. Elegant installations by Tony Feher draw out the sculptural forms, startling colours and luminous qualities of everyday objects, from drinks bottles to map pins. Karla Black exploits the scents, colours, textures and physical properties of products such as fake-tan and cellophane. She handles them with a forcefulness that often carries an emotional charge. For ‘Suspended Fall’, Martin Boyce cut up classic chairs designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1955 to make a melancholy mobile that deliberately echoes the iconic mobiles of Alexander Calder, dating from the same era.

Their methods can be as unusual as the materials. Matt Calderwood sets up precarious experiments with common objects from wine glasses to lemons; Claire Barclay draws on traditional techniques such as wood turning or throwing pots. Wade Guyton forces canvas through inkjet printers to create paintings that are surprisingly sensuous.

The exhibition includes new work specially made for the exhibition by Karla Black, Claire Barclay, Matt Calderwood, Tony Feher and Ian Kiaer, and the UK premiere of works by Shirley Tse. None of the artists have exhibited in Cambridge before.

CATALOGUE The exhibition will be accompanied by an online catalogue, including video interviews with artists, which will be added to during the exhibition.

Material Intelligence

Künstler: Claire Barclay, Karla Black, Martin Boyce, Matt Calderwood, Tony Feher, Wade Guyton, Ian Kiaer, Shirley Tse