Maddi Nicholson
Barrow
Concepts
My work is diverse in concept and theme, generally referring to the transient nature of life; youth and adolescence ('Bunny' and 'The First'). Sexuality, gender, genetics and power are strong themes in 'Going Lamb', 'Shall I Draw You a Bath', 'Roll Over' and the Lorries. Vernacular images, childhood toys and everyday objects are inflated sometimes literally to the scale of icons and then used as symbols of this investigation. Humour, word play, finding the extraordinary within the ordinary, references to popular culture and autobiographical detail are all important parts of the work.Influences
My main sources of inspiration are my childhood toys, plastic, knitted and sewn ephemera, the throw-away items of life, and play. The more kitsch and bizarre the better e.g. from inflated plastic food to blow up dolls. I'm influenced by snippets of conversation heard in the street, from TV and in advertising. Artists whose work I find of interest include Julian Opie, Jean Micheal Basquiat, David Shrigley, Geoff Koons, Michael Craig Martin, Yinka Shonibare, Gillian Wearing, Pierrick Sorin and Sam Taylor Wood.Career path
I studied for a BA (hons) in textiles and embroidery in 1985. I have worked full-time as an artist since university, I make my living through commissions of my work, public art projects and residences. I advise as a creative consultant with industry business and the public sector on all manner of art education and design related issues. I have set up and am director of Art Gene LTD, Gallery and Arts Production facilities, where I have my studio in Barrow-in -Furness.
Solo exhibitions
1994 - Embroidery, Hutchinson Gallery, Bishop Auckland Town Hall, County Durham
1991 - Set for Dock Festival, Granada Television, Albert Dock Liverpool
1991 - South Bank Centre, Royal Festival Hall, London
1989 - Abbot Hall, Kendal, Cumbria
1989 - Contemporary Design Fair, Chelsea Town Hall, London
1989 - Worcester City Art Gallery
1988 - Cannon Hill Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham
1987 - Greater Midwest Winner, Central Missouri State Centre Galleries, Warrensburg, Missouri, USA
Group exhibitions
2002 - The First, Art Gene Gallery, Barrow-in-Furness
1997 - Artists Working to Commission, The Dock Museum, Barrow in Furness
1995 - Artists Working to Commission, The Building Centre, London
1994 - Textile Kunst - Gallerie Wenker, Stuttgart, Germany
1993 - The Furnished Landscape, Crafts Council, Islington, London
1992 - '62 Group of Embroiders, Hanyku, Japan
1992 - Out of the Frame, Crafts Council, Islington, London and touring
1990 - The Art Machine, McLellan Galleries, Glasgow; The Barbican, London, toured to Belgium, Holland, Germany
1989 - Opening of Tobacco Dock, Tobacco Dock, Docklands, London
1989 - Textiles for Interiors, Knapp Gallery, Regents Park, London
1989 - Women Artists Diary, Fulham Palace, London
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