When does a thing become a meta-thing and material become immaterial?
When it transcends its material value and is embedded with meta-narratives, shifting the emphasis from physical to metaphysical.
THE OBJECT OF THINGS – TOYS
The idea first came about whilst artist Susan Meyerhoff Sharples was working on her Cultural Crossings Series, work which explores ethnology and the evolution of multiculturalism from its most primitive origins to modern manifestations. This embodies the concept that we no longer live in relative isolation, continuing our own traditions, but in an interconnected contemporary world that reflects a world-wide cultural diffusion. We share the same human family, regardless of race or gender and are interdependent; therefore our actions affect the well-being of others.
The concept of toys as icons began in Postlinberg, Austria 2010, in a tiny ancient Lady Chapel, a place of pilgrimage where religious ceremony, ritual and paraphernalia sit side by side with a children’s grotto and famous fairytales by The Brothers Grimm.
Super heroes, princesses and teddy bears transport many adults back to utopian places in their childhood, where gigantic battles were fought and won, monstrous mutants’ slayed and princesses dressed in opulent gowns.
This installation, first exhibited at the Contemporary Urban Centre, Liverpool, UK in February 2011, is a response to the artist Susan Meyerhoff Sharples’ investigation into the relevance of toys in our lives and how they act as triggers to precious memories.
On analysis, the influences of these toys and reflected memories, although sometimes subtle, have seeped into the everyday lives of many participants, particularly artists. Their artwork reveals a link from their childhood memory to their working practice today.
During the developing stages of childhood we absorb many aspects of life through the experiences, teaching and influences of the objects and adults that surround us. Seldom do we take the time to consider the impact this has had on our adult lives.
These works have evolved into a collaborative exchange with groups of artists internationally. The intention is that they will act as a catalyst, aiming to encourage and inspire a response by our global partners.
The exhibition reveals a moment in artists’ lives were they have allowed themselves the time to reflect and consider this hypothesis.
When it transcends its material value and is embedded with meta-narratives, shifting the emphasis from physical to metaphysical.
THE OBJECT OF THINGS – TOYS
The idea first came about whilst artist Susan Meyerhoff Sharples was working on her Cultural Crossings Series, work which explores ethnology and the evolution of multiculturalism from its most primitive origins to modern manifestations. This embodies the concept that we no longer live in relative isolation, continuing our own traditions, but in an interconnected contemporary world that reflects a world-wide cultural diffusion. We share the same human family, regardless of race or gender and are interdependent; therefore our actions affect the well-being of others.
The concept of toys as icons began in Postlinberg, Austria 2010, in a tiny ancient Lady Chapel, a place of pilgrimage where religious ceremony, ritual and paraphernalia sit side by side with a children’s grotto and famous fairytales by The Brothers Grimm.
Super heroes, princesses and teddy bears transport many adults back to utopian places in their childhood, where gigantic battles were fought and won, monstrous mutants’ slayed and princesses dressed in opulent gowns.
This installation, first exhibited at the Contemporary Urban Centre, Liverpool, UK in February 2011, is a response to the artist Susan Meyerhoff Sharples’ investigation into the relevance of toys in our lives and how they act as triggers to precious memories.
On analysis, the influences of these toys and reflected memories, although sometimes subtle, have seeped into the everyday lives of many participants, particularly artists. Their artwork reveals a link from their childhood memory to their working practice today.
During the developing stages of childhood we absorb many aspects of life through the experiences, teaching and influences of the objects and adults that surround us. Seldom do we take the time to consider the impact this has had on our adult lives.
These works have evolved into a collaborative exchange with groups of artists internationally. The intention is that they will act as a catalyst, aiming to encourage and inspire a response by our global partners.
The exhibition reveals a moment in artists’ lives were they have allowed themselves the time to reflect and consider this hypothesis.
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