╳ Polluted Lace

  Lace takes centre stage in the analysis of the relationship between textiles and space, in the ‘Lost In Lace’ exhibition, currently showing at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Aiming to challenge perceptions by showing off the lace-themed work of some of the best contemporary practitioners in the world, Curator Lesley Millar "asked an international group of artists, makers and designers to move beyond their usual margins of practice," and describes her challenge as one of shaping "the perception of the potentially radical relationship between the structure of ‘lace’ networks and architectural space."

Exploring the relationship between textiles – specifically lace – and space through a series of dramatic and ambitious site-sensitive installations, artists’ responses “have been to question the ways in which we move through space and the nature of boundaries and thresholds,” continues Ms Millar. The exhibition highlights the work of a number of artists that employ detailed scientific process and knowledge in their work and in particular we are proud to showcase the recent work of Thread Count Lab co-founder Alessia Giardino. ‘Polluted Lace’ is a tenderly executed piece, brought to life, in part due to the ‘magical’ properties of TX Active® a new type of photo-catalytic concrete developed by Italian cement giant Italcementi Group.

The delicately silkscreened panels (will) reveal over time, depending on airborne pollution, a subtly emerging lace-like pattern. How sweetly ironic that Alessia’s panels, based on her delicate pencil sketches will last a life-time, facilitated by pollution and concrete!

‘Lost In Lace’ Exhibition
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
29.10.2011 – 19.02.2012

Opening times:
Monday – Thursday: 10.00am – 5.00pm
Friday: 10.30am – 5.00pm
Saturday: 10.00am – 5.00pm
Sunday: 12.30pm – 5.00pm