Louisa Chambers practice explores ideas surrounding machines and devices, both futuristic and archaic and how they could assist humans living in temporary or placeless worlds.
Chambers’ make reference in particular to alchemist and artist’s paraphernalia and early designs for optical devices and mechanical machines. Imagery is juxtaposed with other source materials associated with architecture, popular culture, scientific technology, folklore and mysticism. The mediums of drawing and painting transform these appropriated motifs into anthropomorphic machines or constructions. Their situation in otherworldly spaces and their apparent attempts to function as organic or mechanical machines, adds further absurdity. During the process of painting, forms hover between abstraction and figuration. Spaces and objects are constructed like games allowing a playful aesthetic in the work. Often they are on the crux of something apocalyptic (such as altering time) or on the verge of exploding.
Inspiration is derived from experiences living in contemporary society, the constant technological bombardment, and physical dislocation. Portals and gateways suggest an attempt to escape from this dystopian reality and assist humans to a better existence. They symbolise personal narratives but are also in response to the affects of western society and the daily burden of robotic control on our lives.
Louisa Chambers lives and works in London. She graduated with an MA in Painting from the Royal College of Art (2005-2007) and at the University for the Creative Arts, Farnham (2002-2005) where she achieved a BA(Hons)Fine Art with first class honours. Selected exhibitions include: Needle's Eye, Transition Gallery, London (2012-Forthcoming), Contemporary Perspectives on Water Colour, Mall Galleries, London (2011) Pistols & Pollinators: A Collaborative Project (with the poet Katherine Gallagher), Accident and Emergence, London (2010) Fault Line: Art in the Age of Anxiety, The Nunnery, London, Skyscrapers under the Sea, Madame Lillies, London and Drawings with Dolphins, Crimes Town Gallery London (2009). Chambers’ was selected for the Salon Art Prize, Matt Roberts Art in 2009 and 2010, Milton Keynes Annual Painting Prize in 2009 and for the prestigious John Moores 25 Contemporary Painting Prize in 2008.
