Inventions of the Mind - review

Kirsty E. Smith - Colin

Here is a link to the full review I have written for Kirsty E. Smith's exhibition Inventions of the Mind at Erasmus Darwin House, Lichfield.

Frillip Moolog

Kirsty E. Smith - Stan

I went to Lichfield last weekend to visit the show Inventions of the Mind at Erasmus Darwin House, and to meet Kirsty E Smith (aka Frillip Moolog). I'm in the middle of writing a review of the show, which I'll post a link to later. If you're in the vicinity do go and enjoy Kirtsy's 'beings' that are placed amongst the exhibits in the house/museum.

Enlightenment thinker, Erasmus Darwin (grandfather of Charles) lived in the house, and as a member of the Lunar Society of Birmingham hosted monthly meetings on the night of the full moon with his fellow 'Lunaticks' including Josiah Wedgewood and James Watt. They discussed their radical thoughts about science, inventions and natural philosophy and shared their ideas about the possibilities of what would become the industrial revolution.

Frillip Moolog is a place; a place to interact with Kirsty E Smith's sculptures (she calls them 'beings'), another place which: "... encapsulates the excitement and curiosity of a child when experiencing and interacting with objects for the first time. Her intention is to create work which resonates on a deeply emotive level and which acts as a vehicle to reconnect with a "place" or memory deep in our subconscious"

Kirsty E. Smith - Colin

There are six beings to be discovered at Erasmus Darwin House: Russell, Ziggy, Madeline, Stan, Cyril and Colin (he's a newcomer). Beautifully designed and constructed...invented actually, from industrial machine parts, carefully sourced domestic and industrial fabrics, trimmings and oddments. A resident of Lichfield, the artist has been a visitor to the museum for many years, and this is the culmination of a relationship she has had with the space. The 'beings' are very comfortable here amongst the 18th C decor and the free thinking energy of enlightenment science and invention.

Close Encounters of the Frillip Moolog Kind

Kirsty E. Smith - seen here

I went on a London odyssey last week, my main objective was to visit Origin, The London Craft Fair at Somerset House - but had an agenda to visit a few other shows en route. Firstly I headed to Westbourne Grove Church Art Space in West London to see Close Encounters of the Frillip Moolog Kind by Kirsty E. Smith - unfortunately it was closed for a birthday party so I could only peep in to the foyer through the door. I have been quite intrigued by the images and concepts from the show.

"Fascinated by the idea that objects might have a life of their own and inspired by previous narrative surrounding the found objects and textiles used in their making, Kirsty E Smith creates sculptures which resonate on a deeply emotive level and that people readily engage with. Frillip Moolog is the name which she has given to this place. Smith draws on sources as diverse as Mid-Century Modern architecture and interiors to Hollywood show biz costumes." Seen here