Etiquette of Comfort: Lisa Slominski & sally Spinks

About

BEARSPACE brings together Slominski and Spinks to investigate philosophies of security relating to comfort and discomfort through imagery. Using mechanical processes, both artists look at recognised visuals and insert these into a new context, from a threat into a symbol of reassurance or visa versa. Appearance and texture are important in this transformation. Both artists use appealing media such as perfectly produced plastics, fine wool, luxury wallpaper print and other seductive materials to alter the original significance of both source visuals and medium. Lisa Slominski uses mass-produced symbols of comfort, ranging from puppies to mobile phones. Slominski repeats these images altering the viewers state-of-mind from safe to confused and sometimes repelled. Sally Spinks' practice is predominantly textile based. The artist has a strong relationship to traditional techniques of textile production, using the labour intense process to create highly finished wall-hangings and sculptural works that speak subverted messages into the home environment.