Bound was a bold sculptural intervention to Taxi Gallery by artist, Laura Robinson. Laura bound the Taxi in a labour intensive and repetitive process taking 4 days and using 19 miles of baler twine which not only encased the Taxi but transformed and mute/mutated its form.

The opportunity to exhibit at Taxi Gallery has enabled Laura to develop upon her earlier small scale works/sketches (or as she calls them - ‘lap pieces’) in which she has been binding, wrapping or stitching ordinary objects such as books, paper or clothes pegs. Some of these earlier works were exhibited alongside 'Bound' at the opening event.

Laura says “I am gripped by the simple acts of selection and isolation and have a great interest in altering or intervening with everyday objects and materials. My process is an elaborate game of hide and seek simultaneously concealing and revealing, juggling presence and absence.”

Laura has also produced a limited edition (6) series of offset - lithographic prints inspired by the process of installing Bound. These prints are available for purchase - please contact Laura on her email link below. 

comments / reflections / observations / notes

comments received over the hedge - during binding process:

"cobweb" - "it's like my confused mind" - "strangulation" - "Bound, wicked!" - "I'm sorry, but I really like that"

observation:

Bound is the first exhibition that passers-by have responded to without hesitation or doubt - for the first time I haven't had questions like: what is it supposed to be? or what is it? or what is it about? or even why? - my neighbours have been eager and confident to say what it means for them.

note:

The exhibition of Laura's lap pieces at the opening helped to place 'Bound' within the context of her developing artistic process - Laura also brought along a portfolio of images from previous installations which she sensitively discussed and shared with visitors to the opening

artist's reflection:

'Bound' was an explosive event for me. It was a very welcome opportunity and necessary trigger for me to pursue further inspirational times which would not have occurred otherwise. It initiated a momentum that spurred me on to; lithography workshop at Gainsborough House, Sudbury, the subsequent sale of prints, Lettercutting in stone course funded by the arts council and an application for a Rome Scholarship.

This exhibition at Taxi Gallery reinstated a confidence that motivated me and reasserted my necessity to have/make these thoughts, feelings and ultimately actions. So, THANK YOU Kirsten.

Dec 03