A unique body of work created during lockdown has been purchased by the National Library of Wales. These emotive, raw and challenging works are iconic additions to the National Library of Wales’ collections in Aberystwyth. They reflect upon mental health, loneliness and the central importance of the Black Lives Matter movement. The Library is proud to house the works within its national art collection.
‘ISOLATION noun: the process or fact of isolating or being isolated
living on your own is one thing but living in isolation is another. to look out of the window and imagine the world is still moving but you’ve stood still. BARE RED exposes fear, freedom of imagination, loneliness and hope from she who is looking out of her window’ – sue williams
BARE RED is a series of 3 chinese books painted by williams during the months of the covid19 lockdown. williams had the books custom made in hangzhou market by traditional art book-makers at 四宝草堂 the humble house of four treasures [the four treasures refer to the four materials used in chinese painting/calligraphy – brush, ink, paper + ink stone] during a research trip to china. each accordion-fold book includes 25 pages measuring 40 x 40cm, making the total length of each volume a continuous 10meters between two fabric covered + embroidered hard covers. a generous mix of materials are used – ink, spray paint, highlighter pens, acrylic paint + pencil together with torn paper, magazine cut-outs + cardboard collaged throughout
https://www.gallery-ten.co.uk/studio-sue-williams