Nancy Allen
Nancy Allen exhibited with Collective Ending as part of ABSINTHE §1 and ABSINTHE §2.
Nancy Allen, Suspended Cape, 2019 (ABSINTHE §1)
Nancy Allen, Upholstered Stack, 2019 (ABSINTHE §2)
Bio
Nancy Allen examines the visual language of objects and their relationship with the human body. Using and referencing everyday subjects, such as clothing, soft furnishings, packaging, luggage and sports equipment, Allen’s sculptures suggest the presence of a human body or are provocative of its engagement with elements of the work. This conceptual temptation of functionality is upended by a series of playful, flamboyant and ultimately aesthetic; objects that express an anarchic fervour of theatricality and fun. Patterns are cut and stitched together so as to produce the form of the work through their own tailoring. Familiar objects are subverted. Bean bags are rendered figurative and fleshy. Tents provide little shelter. Allen’s use of materials range from upholstery fabrics, velvet, denim and faux fur; to clear PVC, mosquito netting and nylon webbing, straddling contexts associated with domesticity and principles of utilitarian production.
Nancy (b. Cambridge) lives and works in London. She is currently studying for her Postgraduate Diploma at the Royal Academy Schools, having previously completed a BA in Sculpture at Wimbledon College of Art (2011-2014). Recent exhibitions and projects include: Gilbert Bayes Award Exhibition (Group Exhibition) at Royal Society of Sculptors (London, 2020), CREEKSIDE OPEN 2019 (Group Exhibition) at A.P.T Gallery (London, 2019), Outpost Members Show 2018 (Group Exhibition) at Outpost (Norwich, 2018), Exeter Contemporary Open (Group Exhibition) at Exeter Phoenix (Exeter, 2017), What a Time to be Alive (Solo Exhibition) at B.A.E.S (London, 2016), The Nancy Allen Show (Solo Exhibition) at Nice Gallery (London, 2015).