Nicole Wermers' sculptures combine the rigid formalism of Modernism with the opulence of high-end consumerism. Her visually seductive abstract collages harness design and advertising to architecture and the urban environment. Wermers’ work lingers in these threshold spaces, the liminal zones of car parks, lifts, and department store entrances – whose shoplifting detectors provided the inspiration for ‘Untitled (Forcefield)’, 2006.
Nicole Wermers' first public sculpture ‘Earring’ was proposed during her residency in 2005, supported by Outset. The work consisted of a giant 'mother-of-pearl' and lacquer earring, with dimensions of two meters high and weighing 25 kilograms, that was 'pierced' into the side of Camden Arts Centre. Playing on the relationship between architecture and the body, it also reflected Nicole Wermers' interest in design and the transformation of materials into luxury goods. The bright-pink teardrop-shaped pendant highlights the primarily feminine connotations of jewellery and the stereotypical perceptions of female gender roles and beauty ideals. The ‘Earring’ also plays with social gender stereotypes on a material level, with the use of car paint for the cover of the sculpture. The work also reflects on how identities, environments and bodies are shaped by often overlooked, small and everyday consumer goods.
The artist’s first outdoor project could be seen on the side of Camden Arts Centre between 29 September and 10 December 2006.
ON VIEW: 29th September - 10th December 2006
