Elly Thomas
For her solo show at VITRINE, Elly Thomas presents Proto and Apparatus, two installations in which sculptures function as toys; kits that are animated through a variety of processes. Free from finality, the sculptures are ‘active’ objects that can exist in any number of configurations. The concept of the kit present in Proto and Apparatus extends to a large group of drawings that form a backdrop to the installation.
VITRINE Project Space presents Elly Thomas, who creates sculpture and drawing that explores childhood play as a continuous, evolving presence. Driven by a desire to create objects that appear to ‘live’ independently, she works with open-ended processes and emergent structures that change, respond and evolve in the present.
The silicone, fabric and papier-mâché sculptures that comprise Proto explore a notion of ‘early’ or embryonic form; objects that seem suspended in the process of becoming. Propped on temporary wooden structures constructed from discarded off-cuts, or simply piled or wedged, the amorphous forms create a mutable absurdist landscape.
Apparatus consists of invented machine parts that appear to have broken free from centralised control.
Change is built into the exhibition itself. Throughout the duration of the show assemblages are ruptured and reconfigured, reflecting the perpetual flux caught in Thomas’ animations, which are screened at the opening on Wednesday 2nd March 2011.
Within the drawings a sense of non-linear narrative emerges from a repeated collection of forms that cluster, scatter and reconfigure.
Curated by Alys Williams.
Thomas is currently studying for a PhD at the Slade School of Fine Art. She graduated from Chelsea College of Art and Design before completing an MA at University College Falmouth in 2005. Exhibitions include ‘Hybird’ at Vitrine Gallery, ‘Situation X’ at Studio 1.1 Gallery, ‘The View From Here’ BBC Bush House and a solo show at the Stables Gallery and Art Centre.