Sir John Soane's Museum: Artist in Residence
Petry at Soane 1: Opens 14th October 2010 For the first phase Petry will exhibit glass pieces which fuse, in an almost alchemical process, neo-classical silver forms with the organic, fluid qualities of molten glass. This fusion complements Sir John Soane’s interest in neo-classical silver (as evidenced in his collection of Robert Adam drawings for silver designs) and his use of the transformative nature of glass in his architecture. Using stained glass and plain coloured glass Soane ‘played’ with the qualities of light and shade throughout his house in Lincoln’s Inn Fields to create the most evocative and appropriate moods to display his collections and sculptural arrangements. He also used light to manipulate architectural form. Today he is recognised as the English master of ‘lumière mystérieuse’, the almost mystical, mysterious atmosphere achieved through a variety of light effects, including skylights, mirrors, and concealed lamps. Petry at Soane 2: February to March 2011 The second phase of the collaboration will see a contrasting installation by Petry produced in response to the Museum itself and Soane’s life within it. Drawing upon the Romantic elements of the collections and displays (including paintings by Henry Fuseli and Maria Cosway, as well as rooms such as the Monk’s Parlour) Petry’s new works will evoke the presence of the incubus and succubus - two favourite themes of Romantic artists and writers of the Regency period. Appropriately, Petry’s installations coincide with the restoration of the Museum’s significant holdings of historical, figurative stained glass panels which will be returned to their original locations as Soane intended. Petry’s work is a contemporary continuation of the skills and artistry of earlier glass craftsmen and this exhibition echoes and continues Sir John Soane’s ambition to support British artists and crafts. Michael Petry says: “The museum is such a world gem - its architecture and collections have long inspired me. It was one of the first museums I visited when I first came to London almost 30 years ago and the experience has always stayed with me. To be able to work here is just fantastic and I want to respond to Soane’s wonderful, sometimes troubled history. “I work with glass, designing the works, as I am not a maker, which, like Soane, means that I have to have an understanding of the material and the ability to work with others to have my work realised (like constructing a building). The pieces will be made at the Berengo Studio in Murano and at the Royal College of Art where the craftsmen I work with are brilliant.” Smoke & Mirrors Catalogue
This catalogue documents the 2 exhibitions (Bad Seed, and Touching the Neoclassical and the Romantic) Petry had as the first artist in residence at Sir John Soane’s Museum 2010/11 48 pages, full colour, hardcopy available for £5 Download Free Ebook Version |
Petry at Soane 2: February to March 2011
Petry at Soane 1: October 2010
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