MAD HATTER’S WORKSHOP
The Concept
Observing Lowry’s paintings I have noticed his people very often wear hats. I went on to address this theme. A hat, a helmet, a beret, a cap, a scarf, a hood, a crown. What are the messages they convey today in society and art - fashion trend, political protest, symbol of power, class distinction, sun protection, religious standing?
My project aims, in an entertaining manner, to encourage audiences to explore the meanings of contemporary headwear.
The Installation
The approach is to enhance the existing space with a system that makes visitors discover the Promenade in a new way. The zigzagging configuration of the Gallery plan prompted the idea of a triangular grid. The triangular flat panels are modeled, joined and manipulated in a perpetual fashion creating large- and small-scale formations of a continuous structure. In this way the Installation turns into a thematically engaged modeling process.
The three main Gallery niches are given to the larger structures: a Royal Ascot Hat, a high-tech Formula-1 Helmet, and perhaps, a futuristic Newspaper Hat. Smaller structures are displayed along the walls. Some formations might be hung from above. Viewed from any angle, the installation is instantly collapsing into a dream-like space of geometry in motion.
The Structure
The triangles are identical in size, cut with geometric precision from sheets of suitably thin MDF. The joints are glued and supported with a light wooden grid, where necessary. The panels are painted. A subtle colour zoning is used to enhance visual definition of the formations. Some of the panels display images of headwear, others left blank to serve as screens for slide projections from different angles, after dark.
The Artist
Although I am primarily a traditional painter, I have moved into new media by combining my architectural background and my passionate interest in perception of space. At this stage of my career, I feel I have the confidence to explore the new approaches, and this project offers a perfect opportunity. It differs from what I usually do, but it may help me to recognize the way forward in my creative practice.
My proposal challenges definitions of what is art and what architecture and design. It addresses issues of perception and the relationship between people and space in a funky and funny, a mad hatter’s kind of way.
MAD HATTER’S WORKSHOP by Valery Koroshilov for TRANSFORMATIONS: Promenade at The Lowry
MAD HATTER’S WORKSHOP
The Concept
Observing Lowry’s paintings I have noticed his people very often wear hats. I went on to address this theme. A hat, a helmet, a beret, a cap, a scarf, a hood, a crown. What are the messages they convey today in society and art - fashion trend, political protest, symbol of power, class distinction, sun protection, religious standing?
My project aims, in an entertaining manner, to encourage audiences to explore the meanings of contemporary headwear.
The Installation
The approach is to enhance the existing space with a system that makes visitors discover the Promenade in a new way. The zigzagging configuration of the Gallery plan prompted the idea of a triangular grid. The triangular flat panels are modeled, joined and manipulated in a perpetual fashion creating large- and small-scale formations of a continuous structure. In this way the Installation turns into a thematically engaged modeling process.
The three main Gallery niches are given to the larger structures: a Royal Ascot Hat, a high-tech Formula-1 Helmet, and perhaps, a futuristic Newspaper Hat. Smaller structures are displayed along the walls. Some formations might be hung from above. Viewed from any angle, the installation is instantly collapsing into a dream-like space of geometry in motion.
The Structure
The triangles are identical in size, cut with geometric precision from sheets of suitably thin MDF. The joints are glued and supported with a light wooden grid, where necessary. The panels are painted. A subtle colour zoning is used to enhance visual definition of the formations. Some of the panels display images of headwear, others left blank to serve as screens for slide projections from different angles, after dark.
The Artist
Although I am primarily a traditional painter, I have moved into new media by combining my architectural background and my passionate interest in perception of space. At this stage of my career, I feel I have the confidence to explore the new approaches, and this project offers a perfect opportunity. It differs from what I usually do, but it may help me to recognize the way forward in my creative practice.
My proposal challenges definitions of what is art and what architecture and design. It addresses issues of perception and the relationship between people and space in a funky and funny, a mad hatter’s kind of way.
MAD HATTER’S WORKSHOP by Valery Koroshilov for TRANSFORMATIONS: Promenade at The Lowry