Beverly Semmes, who lives and works in New York, makes work using fabric which takes the form of exaggerated and distorted female clothing.
Semmes falls into a growing tradition of artists using textiles and clothing as a medium. Often using rich colours and sumptuous fabrics, her work has strong sculptural and formal qualities.
The piece in Gallery III was a new installation made especially for Camden. The overblown gold velvet and pink organza dress filled one wall and almost the entire floor of the gallery, drawing the viewer into a ‘Alice-through-the-Looking-Glass’ landscape. The piece can be seen as addressing questions of femininity, power and architectural context.
A selection of Semmes’ recent work was on show in Southampton until 31 December and another new installation piece was displayed at Farnham from 4 December until the end of January.
