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Five2Watch: Decoration


Axisweb has selected five artworks featuring contemporary artists working with decoration, and also considering its use and function: Anastasya Martynova, Alice Forward, Helen Latham, Anne Thalheim and Polly Cruse


Carved Mannequin Arms, 2016

Anastasya Martynova

Carved mannequin arms commissioned by Museea for “Utopian Bodies – Fashion Looks Forward”, Liljevalchs, Stockholm in collaboration with Proportion > London

Anastasya Martynova


Il Pranzo di Grimani, 2016

Alice Forward

Ornamental plasterwork ceiling, a Short&Forward collaborative private commission, Calle Terco, Venice, Italy. Crystacal plaster and 22ct gold leaf

References include Luis Bunuel's "Discreet Charm of the Borgouisie" and ornamental plasterwork in the nearby Palazzo Grimani in Venice.

Alice Forward 2


Gold and Steel, 2017

Helen Latham

Looking at portraits of women in the 17th Century I was struck by the lack of real personality in them: they are stylised and formulaic - a mere comment on the wealth of the possession/person and nothing to do with the character. What would the women themselves have wanted? Subtle signs of rebellion, like a clenched fist, or a wilder dress colour - I've done that for them and us. 

Helen Latham


Manche Honorable No 2, 2016

Anne Thalheim

In the fourteenth century , most of the time , the sleeves were independent from the doublets , to which they were basted so they could be changed at will . The women did the same. Thus , to honor a knight, a lady unpicked her sleeve that the knight would tie to his helmet , and these were called manche honorable." 

Anna Thalheim


Shoe Fettish, 2015

Polly Cruse

Cyano-type photographic print 

Polly Cruse


Published 14 April 2017

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