Davina Kemble | Designer | Artist

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The evening of the private view a mime was performed by Nyakor Riam wearing 'Just in Case' whilst interacting with the following other exhibits.

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Skin deep, two revolving cubes containing images of the artist in cosmetic masks. The left cube reflects on our celebrity culture and social masks - designed to hide reality and inner feelings. Masks that easily fail when the eyes and mouth reveal the truth. The right cube reflects on mortality through the medium of ‘The Selfie’ - stances adopted that only stave off the inevitable.

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Never one of us, a discarded antique oak table is placed on a much-loved handcrafted Moroccan kilim rug with a vast mirror suspended above. Opening a debate on the power of Tribalism and its polarising effects, the ‘Them versus Us’ psychology is explored and the piece becomes a mirror on the self. With immigration and displacement at the forefront of current political debate, the question of integration versus individuality is core. This work examines the psychology of in-group favouritism and out-group derogation, and how we morph to seek acceptance and to be considered of value.

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When ceilings come down, a sumptuous site- specific interactive installation composed of 316 exquisitely hand-carved Balinese ceiling bosses. The viewer is given the opportunity to enjoy a red carpet experience and the chance to examine the type of grandiose ceilings usually out of reach to the public. This installation is a celebration of craftsmanship over decaying majesty and reflects on the current distrust of the Establishment.

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Cradled or Contained? A giant translucent polycarbonate cube, partially filled with an organic-looking substance, is suspended in a cradle of rusty railings. This sculpture explores the precarious balance between protection and confinement, nurture and neglect, freedom and security.

Excavated remains of a life span, circa 3019. Self-portrait.

That familiar feeling, sculpted, carved, turned, and assembled from solid ash. A visceral response to adversity, authority, confrontation and injustice.

Just in case, questions the drive behind inadvertent collecting. A robe covered in a mass of buttons, kept but never used forms a protective shield against the outside world. What part does the possession and control of ‘Stuff’ play in giving us lifetime security when ultimately we have to dispense with it all?

The bruises are beginning to fade, partially sanded recycled parquet floor panels with mirrored inserts. The viewer is invited to stand and reflect on the memories and marks left and held within the material constructs of institutional buildings and architecture. From floor to wall these panels manifest the oppressive and claustrophobic feelings of power and authority, whilst the reflective mercurial surfaces offer avenues of escape.

No man’s land, an assemblage of 10 vintage factory spools and 11 vintage irons. A simple hommage to the ‘fairer sex’.

'Displacement' - a coping mechanism to help deal with overwhelming anxiety. This piece, made from 7years of torn and subverted medical packaging, focused my mind on Norma, a friend, instead of the frustrations of pelvic radiation disease.