About the work

A found photocopy (2007 approx.) of a single page of an uncredited novel (possibly Milan Kundera). The text (highlighted, annotated and redacted by me at the time) outlines the moment a woman, undertaking a swimming lesson, looks back at the younger instructor, smiles and waves. This slight, youthful gesture captivates the narrator. Highlighted was the phrase a charming gesture drowning in the charmlessness of a body.The text (highlighted, annotated and redacted by me at the time) outlines the moment a woman, undertaking a swimming lesson, looks back at the younger instructor, smiles and waves. This slight, youthful gesture captivates the narrator. Highlighted was the phrase a charming gesture drowning in the charmlessness of a body.

This drawing is part of a series of laser-cut works. The motif is taken from digital stock files of repeat patterns, often used in home furnishing design. The design was laser cut into paper found in my archive of personal paraphernalia – the stuff you struggle to keep yet is near-impossible to throw away. The significance of overwriting the information on the found paper is vital to each work in the series. The cut paper deteriorates from the moment it is removed from the laser cutter bed, and a final layer of ink is applied to stabilise the work.

Date and country of birth

1980, GB

Career Highlights

Lack, Solo exhibition and publication at SE8 Gallery, Deptford, Autumn 2022; White, Whiter, White, text for Axel Antas’ Nothing is made, nothing disappears at Poikilo Museum, Finland, 2022;
Hospitalfield Interdisciplinary Residency Autumn 2021; Omni Colour Artist Award 2021, UK, 2021;
Jack Built, text commission by Goldsmiths CCA, responding to the exhibition Transparent Things, 2022; Jerwood Arts Bursary Award, Jerwood Visual Arts, 2018; Cocheme Fellowship Award, CSM, UAL, hosted by AIR Studios, three months artist-in-residence, 2014; Gasworks International Fellowship Artist Award, Triangle Residency at VASL, Karachi, Pakistan, 2012