Nicole Klagsbrun Gallery is pleased to present the first New York solo exhibition by London based artist Jane Wilbraham: globallocalformalfolk. Jane Wilbraham constructs three-dimensional collages out of corrugated cardboard, mostly from fresh produce boxes, she finds around London’s markets...
globallocalformalfolk
Nicole Klagsbrun Gallery is pleased to present the first New York solo
exhibition by London based artist Jane Wilbraham.
Jane Wilbraham constructs three-dimensional collages out of
corrugated cardboard, mostly from fresh produce boxes, she finds
around London’s markets. The work has developed by looking at
marginal urban locations, along with the architectural sprawl that
defines the ‘metropolis.’ From the rubble, the artist’s trained eye is
able to discern perfect abstract patterns and sound bites out of the
fragmented texts.
Many of the signs Wilbraham collects, emphasize the existence of the
city’s multiple layers of linguistic diversity which create what the artist
describes as a ‘poetry of place.’ This body of work entitled
globallocalformalfolk alludes to the city’s subtle and direct ways in
which signs and texts infiltrate our contemporary urban lives, from the
global branding of multi-national corporations to the humble hand
written price tag of the small retailer.
Aesthetically, the work is informed by Wilbraham’s interest in the
utilitarian aspects of the Constructivist movement; particularly
Rodchenko’s early abstract geometric experimentation, European
Modernism with its utopian architectural forms, and the folk art inspired
patterns of Alexander Girard. The environment in Jane Wilbraham’s
pieces is one of optical illusions and sensation. In Alternative History
2000, each letter of the title is built with layers of cardboard, which
form skyscrapers that hang horizontally off the surface of the wall.
When lit from above, the jutting letters cast shadows, evoking images
of a city skyline. Money and commerce are at the core of the city’s
existence. Wilbraham expands these ideas in her works titled Cash
Pot 2001 and No Money Down 2001, where she playfully organizes
fruits and letters into forms that suggest the interconnected highways
of today’s global economic markets.
Opening reception, Friday, November 16, 6 - 8 pm
Image: Jane Wilbraham, Cash Pot, 2001
Nicole Klagsbrun Gallery
526 West 26TH Sreet, Room #213 NYC, NY, 10001
T 212.243.3335 F 212.243.1059