Janice Thwaites became interested in the Rope Store Gallery as an exhibition site when she discovered that the Quakers, who meet there on Sundays, sometimes cover up the art show, as it could be a distraction.
She also discovered that they have a library and a kitchen hidden in the walls.
Thwaites was looking for somewhere to site a new project based around ideas concerning, covering, hiding, concealing, and the opposite of these. She was looking at Religious veils, and shrouds as well as at fog, smoke, flames, and the dark.
She became interested in the Rollright Stones, a Neolithic stone circle near Chipping Norton. She decided that it would be a good plan to create a portable place to pray, and used Duvets to make a soft circle. This was not very practical for use in the open air. She was interested in duvets as a material to work with, making tents and flying duvets.
Duvets can be cosy, warm, safe and sometimes sensual. They can also be heavy, dark and oppressive. With some of these feelings in mind Thwaites has put together Still Life and installed it in the place of its conception.
Bits and Bobs:
Exhibition Dates: Wed 16 Jan – Sat 23 Feb 08
Location: Rope Store Gallery, Quay Arts
Preview Drinks Reception: Thu 24 Jan 08: 6-8 pm FREE
