Lucia Nogueira: drawings

Drawing was an integral and essential part of Nogueira’s life and work. Often very beautiful and complete in themselves, the drawings also give an understanding of the origin and thinking behind her sculptural work, installations and films. Working intuitively, many of the drawings explore her interest in the intrinsic shape and transformative value of objects such as canisters, chairs, tables and ladders. In contrast is her range of intimate pencil and watercolour drawings based on childhood storybook characters like Pinocchio or Winnie the Pooh. In her sculpture, Nogueira most often worked with found, broken and abandoned objects, stripping them of their component parts, transforming them into highly poetic and disquieting works. A fragile balance between power and stability is frequently suggested through the use of dangerous and volatile materials such as gunpowder, bullets, broken glass and petrol.

Throughout the 1990’s, Nogueira’s reputation grew and she commanded much respect from a host of younger and established artists. This exhibition aims to begin a re-evaluation of the significance of this artist’s work, and the influence that she had and still has on many younger artists practicing today. It will affirm drawing’s crucial, cognitive role in the process of making work in three dimensions. It also commemorates Nogueira's connection with fellow artists of Tannery Arts studios.

Lucia Nogueira was born in Brazil in 1950, studied journalism in Brasilia and went on to study photography in the US. She came to London in 1975 to study fine art at Chelsea College of Art and Central School. Significant solo exhibitions include: Chisenhale Gallery, 1990; Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, 1993, Camden Arts Centre, 1994; Smoke, Berwick Ramparts Project, Berwick-on-Tweed, 1996. Group exhibitions include: Material Culture, Hayward Gallery, 1997 and the British Art Show 4, 1995, Promises Promises, Serpentine Gallery, 1989 Within the UK, the artist’s drawings, sculptures and films are in many public collections including Arts Council England, Leeds City Art Gallery and the Tate Gallery.

The catalogue will include twelve full colour illustrations and texts by Penelope Curtis, Curator, The Henry Moore Institute, Leeds and David Austen, artist. Price £8.

The catalogue has been supported by The Henry Moore Foundation and the exhibition by the Foyle Foundation.