This solo exhibition was the culmination of a two year appointment as Associate Artist at the Wallace Collection 2005-2007. Research in the collection focused on the museum as an evocation of female sensuality, with a special focus on 18th century paintings of Antoine Watteau and French Sèvres rococo porcelain. Hodes' research explored the use of the female figure and its relationship to the decorative tradition and the resulting work sought to address how historical depictions of the female figure, ornamentation and working methods, could be reworked within a contemporary framework. Over a two year period, drawings and photographs made on site were the source for a new body of large scale intricately cut papercuts and ceramic vases. The project was supported by awards from Arts Council England and an AHRC award entitled ‘Decoration and the Picture; a contemporary response to The Wallace Collection’ |