Elizabeth Murton Artist in Residence
HANGING IN THE BALANCE
25 MAY – 4 JUNE
Hanging in the Balance Experimental Residency Part 1
Artist Elizabeth Murton will be experimenting with warp weighted looms in the gallery. This ancient technology uses stone or ceramic weights to weigh down the warp threads. The aim of the residency is to see how this ancient technology can lend itself to contemporary sculpture. Elizabeth has been learning ceramic techniques and some of these new weights will be used to test new ideas. The artist has been looking at histories and mythology around weaving to inspire the sculptural forms.
After the residency, Elizabeth will return to her studio to develop the ideas, weaving and ceramics. Part 2 of the residency will be in November, where final works will be shared.
Do you have knowledge of weaving histories and mythologies, or an interest in ancient textiles? Come and have a chat in the gallery – I’d love to hear from you! I will be in the space 11 – 4 daily. Closed Bank holidays.
Made possible by Arts Council England Developing Your Creative Practice Fund.
Instagram: @elizabeth.murton
About the artist:
Elizabeth Murton’s art practice explores the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of the complicated and awe-inspiring world we live in – whether through religion, philosophy or science. The work reveals the dynamic nature of life’s entanglements through abstract drawings and sculptures.
This manifests through the materials: the tension across fibres to maintain their structures; small vessels like baskets which nurture, contain and hold; fabric and yarn folding, unfolding, wrapping; knots, such as in large undulating fishing nets, unravelling as tensions dissipate. I excavate alternative stories about knowledge assumptions – probing us to ask questions and embrace positive change.
Biography
After studying at Goldsmiths, the artist has developed work in response to scientific ideas and research, including for a solo show at University of Hertfordshire (2016), collaborative project Laboratories of Dark Matter with a scientist from UCL with exhibitions at Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum & Guest Projects Space, Hackney (2017). Important commissions include Artist & The Machine Day, Barbican (2019); Can, Deptford X (2010); Module installation for Origin,Crafts Council, Somerset House (2009). Elizabeth received funding from Arts Council England (2016 &2021) and a Re:View Bursary, a-n The Artists Information Company (2013).
