Lucy Williams is interested in early 20th century modernist design. She collects photographs (mostly black and white) of modernist buildings and interiors, which she then transforms and abstracts into three-dimensional relief through her own sense of space, color and inventive use of diverse materials. These may include balsa wood, card, Plexiglas, wool embroidery, acrylic paint, cork and paper.
The title ‘Festival’ recalls the exciting ‘Festival of Britain’ held in London in 1951, where a new feeling of optimism, purpose and social responsibility was conveyed in modernist architecture, sculpture and design. This surprising and daring event was organized to inspire a public recovering from the trauma of war and trapped in the gray austerity of post-war Britain. International modernism was embraced by a new generation looking forward to modern homes and a comfortable, colorful lifestyle.
Lucy Williams embraces their utopian vision of color and positive purpose, restoring the memory of architects and designers such as Leslie Martin, architect of the Royal Festival Hall, and Sir Basil Spence, who designed the thrilling Sea and Ships Pavilion for the Festival. Their designs, among many others, broke new ground, and allow Williams to enjoy their idiosyncratic edge and economy and to explore profound ideas in her own work.
Venue.- McKee Gallery, 745 Fifth Ave. New York, New York, 10151. USA.
Dates.- May 1 – June 20, 2014.
