‘Stories from my Mother’s Cabinet’ is an upcoming solo exhibition from artist Helen
Murray, taking place at Babylon Gallery throughout July.
Focusing on a metaphorical ‘cabinet’, it will explore the transformation of seemingly mundane materials into new forms whether in paint, found objects or mixed media pieces.
Helen uses mostly natural and organic materials, including old artworks, torn paper, metal dregs, twists of plant fibre, slate, shells, small animal bones, dried gorse, clay and tiny pebbles. They are collected by the artist who describes them as treasures that can be found everywhere.
During the process of reworking these materials possible new identities emerge, with each artwork becoming a miniature theatre in which characters and narratives can be interpreted by the viewer. The work is intended to be a playful signpost in which numerous stories can be found. The artworks themselves are often created in a grid format.
Helen works byapplying layers of materials over individually painted squares using tweezers. She aims to evoke a mood or atmosphere in the objects, to create an intuitive understanding for the viewer.
Referencing the words of Miro, “It is signs that have no exact meaning that provoke a
magic sense”.
“This exhibition is dedicated to my mum with huge love and gratitude,” says Helen Murray,
“She was a very wise and playful woman, as well as being a wickedly funny mimic, and full of love […] I have treasured memories of our time together and I hope very much she would have enjoyed this show.”
Helen is a self taught artist, and lives near the Suffolk coastline, which she finds a source of inspiration in her work. She has worked previously as an illustrator and in 2009 set up Artbox (now Artboxarts CIC) which offers art sessions for adults with special needs.
Stories from my Mother’s Cabinet is on from Thursday 4th July at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 28th July.
Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.
Press release from Babylon ARTS
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