The work of sculptor Lesley Foxcroft is situated in the tradition of minimalism. Working primarily with MDF and on other occasions, paper, Foxcroft renders this hard edged yet everyday material into delicate forms, saying, “I like the idea that the uncomplicated has a purpose: that the material does not give a sculpture its value, it is the artist that does”. Through the process of folding, cutting, pressing and stacking, spacial arrangements are created, producing a dialogue between an aesthetic commonplace and the gallery architecture.
Working with the architecture of CHELSEA space, Foxcroft will make a series of new works entitled Corners. The exhibition will also be accompanied by a publication produced with the artist. Foxcroft’s use of these ordinary, everyday products, made from the deconstruction of different kinds of wood and fibres, rather than, for example, steel, bronze or marble, is an integral part of her expression as a whole: “I like the idea that the uncomplicated has a purpose: that the material does not give a sculpture its value, it is the artist that does’. By methods of folding, cutting, pressing and stacking the artist arranges the material on the floor and up walls to create a dialogue between the two; her installations thereby make the commonplace aesthetic and the two-dimensional architectural.
The delicacy of Foxcroft’s work with Lapping paper marks a stark contrast to her bold and simple use of MDF in her sculptural works; cutting incisions and creating intricate patterns that remain simple. Lesley Foxcroft (b. Sheffield, 1949) studied at Camberwell School of Arts and has exhibited nationally and internationally since 1974. Recent solo shows include Combination (2004) and Works with MDF (2010) — both at Annaly Juda gallery and MDF (2011) at A arte Studio Invernizzi, Milan.
Image: CHELSEA space exhibition, Wraparound (2010) MDF Panel (9mm), 8 pieces. Courtesy of the artist and Annely Juda Gallery
Lesley Foxcroft: Corners – Chelsea Space – 30 September 2015 to 30 October 2015