Modern interiors

The exhibition of new work by Jaspar Joseph-Lester and Sharon Kivland. Each of the works draws from found images of modern interiors to explore the forceful, seductive and alienating ideologies that are embedded in representations of space. A painting of an early modern interior is combined with a written description of a 'refined salon' and magazine images of sofas are cut together to produce an excessive spectacle of contemporary furniture design, comfort and luxury. The works in 'Modern Interiors' are concerned with the fantasies, politics and alienating affects produced by representations of interior design. Kivland exhibited three watercolours, three vinyl texts, and a photograph, from the series 'Elle s'installe'. The work Elle s’installe [she installs) is from a series of ten ink and watercolour drawings, with accompanying descriptions in vibrant orange vinyl lettering. The images are drawn from a French encyclopaedia of décor, a mine of enchanting ideas and a source of practical advice for the contemporary home of the 1960s (an epoch of social and political change, n’est pas, madame?), demonstrating the ways to achieve the style and ambience one desires. What could be more delicious? One dreams, one smiles; dreams become reality as a pair of Louis XVI armchairs are matched with the still fresh curtains of one’s mother-in-law. I concentrate on the salons, classical or refined, gay or modern, producing an ambiance that is youthful, spontaneous, or joyful, with a special touch of gaiety about the armchairs. The drawings are made on a paper from Ruscombe Mill in Bordeaux, a replica of the paper used by J. M. W. Turner for his watercolours made on his travels through France, Italy, Germany, and Belgium. He is a master, of course, and here I have added a mistress. The shade of this paper allows the artist to be more adventurous than is possible with a plain white sheet. The texts are literal translation of their French originals. It is clear that one may mix the old and the modern, in art as much as in interior design, bringing together apparently disparate elements that nonetheless retain a harmonious style, a refined and elegant atmosphere. Yes, she is sure her viewers will love to see these works and enjoy learning these things that add to their natural flair.