Saturday 30 October 2010

Sat 30th Oct: NYC: Olek - Knitting is for pus****













How totally awesome and cosmic is this Polish born, New York based crochet artist Agata Olek?! The exhibition has been titled "knitting is for pussies" which suggests the act of crochet is more complex than its counterpart, and probably none more so than concealing the contents of a room. Its a little bit like when Tim Walker and Andy Hillman covered an interior with knitted Aran jumpers but turned totally pshycadelic and punk. Nothing has been left bare, including the arms of the spectacles on the face of the gallery receptionist who i didn't snap as she appeared a little bit fierce - albeit dressed in a multicolour wool poncho!
The hundreds of miles of chochet spread from out of the gallery, spilling onto the streets of local NOLITA and L.E.S - such as these bicycles locked up outside. I'm totally in love with this work and think NOKI would be too as the technique, usage and recycled materials are in keeping with his signature style! The all encompassing camouflage pattern wallpaper and human covering is reminiscent of the Undercover collection I saw in the Future Beauty exhibition the other day. Despite all of these references it is completely unique and energetically inspiring - particularly photos of previous projects including a crochet costume covered reveller on the Wall of China.
To find out more, see the Christopher Henry Gallery.

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