Wandering about in the future, looking forward to the past by  Cathy De Monchaux

Wandering about in the future, looking forward to the past 1994

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Dimensions: displayed: 3670 x 8000 x 80 mm

Copyright: © Cathy de Monchaux | CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate

Curator: Cathy de Monchaux's large-scale wall-mounted artwork "Wandering about in the future, looking forward to the past" presents a fascinating interplay of materials and construction. The dimensions are impressive, displayed at 3670 x 8000 x 80 mm. Editor: Visually, I find it quite striking—a triptych almost, with a central spine flanked by what look like gridded screens. There's a sense of both constraint and ornate detail that's captivating. Curator: Indeed, the juxtaposition is key. Note the industrial feel of the metal framework against the softer, almost vulnerable planes it supports. The process involves bending, joining, tensioning—a real push and pull of forces. Editor: The metalwork itself, especially in the central element, evokes religious iconography for me—perhaps a stylized tree of life, or even abstracted crosses. It brings to mind ritualistic objects. Curator: It's interesting you say that. De Monchaux often challenges traditional notions of craft by incorporating materials associated with both high art and more functional practices. The repetitive framework suggests mass production. Editor: Yet the symmetry also implies a higher order, a sense of encoded meaning. The black strands dangling from the grid—they feel like a visual echo of mourning or perhaps a physical manifestation of lingering sorrow. Curator: Perhaps the tension in the piece arises from that very discord: the cold precision of manufacturing versus the evocation of deep emotion. Editor: Ultimately, it’s a piece that stays with you, prompting contemplation long after you’ve left its presence. Curator: A fitting testament to De Monchaux's ability to provoke thought about the relationship between making and meaning.

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tate's Profile Picture
tate about 1 month ago

http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/de-monchaux-wandering-about-in-the-future-looking-forward-to-the-past-t06963

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tate's Profile Picture
tate about 1 month ago

De Monchaux's work refers to the body in both its physical and psychological aspects. Her sculptures are often sexual in their evocations. Characteristically, she uses contrasting materials and finishes, combining soft, luxurious textiles with elaborately cut sheet metal. The vertical element in this sculpture recalls the openings and zips of De Monchaux's earlier works. The sensation of an interior space lying beyond and inside this strip is unmistakeable. The illusion of hidden or obscured spaces is enhanced by the beribboned, painted glass panels flanking the central element. The architectural scale of this work suggests the possibility of a further space behind the white-painted glass. Gallery label, August 2004