Shelagh WAKELY British, 1932-2011
Turmeric on Parquet, after Curcuma sul Travertino, 1991 / 2014
Loose turmeric
720 x 700 cm
Further images
“The entrance hall floor, carrying through from the porlico, is of unpolished travertine marble, a warm greyish white. There is a richly patterned pathway of golden yellow turmeric powder laid...
“The entrance hall floor, carrying through from the porlico, is of unpolished travertine marble, a warm greyish white. There is a richly patterned pathway of golden yellow turmeric powder laid over the marble. This stretches from end to end of the hall, covering the entire floor, except for a margin round the edge left for walking. The pattern transforms from intricate interlacements at the library end of the hall to large free shapes at the other end: there is a play with scale, formality and informality and with perspectival views of the images. On a warm day the air is fragrant with the turmeric.
This work did not require deciphering nor belief. The colour, soft, pungent smell, entwining flowery pattern and powdery texture appealed immediately to the senses. There was a desire to prove its substantiality - to step into it or blow on it, thereby spoiling the
pattern: at the same time a desire to construct the complete narrative from a partial view - the huge scale of the work only allowing it to be seen portion by portion. It unashamedly dealt with aesthetic pleasure - it wouldi have been decadent if it were not so poignant,
so easily destroyed: its flagrant sensuality might have been threatening if it were not so exotic.”
(Shelagh Wakely)
This work did not require deciphering nor belief. The colour, soft, pungent smell, entwining flowery pattern and powdery texture appealed immediately to the senses. There was a desire to prove its substantiality - to step into it or blow on it, thereby spoiling the
pattern: at the same time a desire to construct the complete narrative from a partial view - the huge scale of the work only allowing it to be seen portion by portion. It unashamedly dealt with aesthetic pleasure - it wouldi have been decadent if it were not so poignant,
so easily destroyed: its flagrant sensuality might have been threatening if it were not so exotic.”
(Shelagh Wakely)
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