Diane Simpson
Sunday, 2 February 2014
Work from her oeuvre.
“The six pieces in the show all appear to be based on wearable items that have had three-dimensionality steam-pressed out, but that still retain a sense of volume and, additionally, assume new functional identities. A brand new work, “Collar (Pagoda),” appears to be the enlarged version of a clerical collar spread open horizontally atop a slender stand. Constructed from painted aluminum, linoleum and rivets, it suggests a roof, a set of shoulder pads and an open book. A wall sculpture, “Bib”(Quilted),” which dates from 2006 and is made from vinyl, felt and thread, could be a) an umpire’s padding; b) a cathedral floor plan; c) an X-ray shield; d) a priest’s chasuble; or e) other. So it goes: an Amish bonnet is a Brünnhilde helmet upside-down; a black formal coat, a carapace.” – NY Times