Earth, 2012
I was so glad to have caught this show - Kiki Smith: Woodland - before it closes at the weekend. Artist Kiki Smith plays the role of a shaman or high priestess creating a powerful alchemy in these magical, allegorical tapestries which weave a dynamic spell. They are truly enchanting, invoking the power of nature, and man, (and woman's), relationships with each other, as well as the animals and plants which inhabit the works. The figures all seem to be contemplating their mortality, and spirituality, and striving to find their place within the natural order of their particular cosmos. There is the mysticism of the Symbolists, and also the dream-like states of the Surrealists imbued within these works, with obvious nods to the works of Redon and Ernst. The tapestries are created using the Jacquard weaving process adapted from Smith's life-sized collaged designs. The exhibition is both enchanting and sublime.
Cathedral (Wolf), 2013
Harbour, (Ocean-rocks-birds), 2015
Spinners (Moths & spiders webs), 2014
Details of the moths and ants busying themselves within the surfaces of some of the tapestries.
Sojourn, 2015
Parliament (Owls), 2017
Visitors, (Stars, multiple crescent moons), 2015
Fortune, 2014
Congregation, 2014
The Seasons Go Away, 2014
I encountered one of Smith's sculptures - Seer (Alice I), at the Frieze sculpture park (here), but thought its power was somewhat diminished in that setting with so many other sculptures competing for attention. Although some of the sculptures here are not as strong visually as the tapestries, in this context they worked harmoniously with them, and were a natural continuation of Smith's iconography and visual language. This was one of the most personally inspiring and gratifying shows visited in London during the very busy art-world merry-go-round instigated by Frieze.
Tiller, 2016
Spiral Nebula (Large), 2017
Eagle in the Pines, 2017
Underground, 2012
Kiki Smith: Woodlands
until 27th October
Timothy Taylor Gallery
15 Carlos Place
Mayfair
London
