Silk Mosaics

Silk Mosaics.

Here are a few of Lucienne Day's Silk Mosaic works..

Palace of Peking 1 & 11 ,(1979), (www.artvalue.com)

  This mosaic takes the form of a map, with rooms, buildings and walkways. It is quite simple in its approach and appears to be more of a study representing the Palace than an imagined piece. I think the flat blocks of colour make it more map-like but I would like to see it with more variety of shades within the blocks to hold my visual attention more. 

The Window, (1986), (www.gac.culture.gov.uk) 

This piece was commissioned from the artist in June 1986 and belongs to the Government Art Collection and is located in the British Embassy, Kiev, Ukraine. It measures 134.50 cm in length and 174.50 cm width.

This piece, for me, represents the light and the shapes they play against a wall as they enter the window through the passage of time. There is a bit more variety of colour within each of  the blocks and so I feel has given the work more depth. I would still prefer less pink but is a personal preference. 

Wallpaper Magazine Cover January 2009
Golden Tangram, a limited edition cover.
(www.wallpaper.co.uk)

This is one of my favourites and, as I love to sew, would be something I would like to try when I have the time. The greens and browns, mustard yellow and purple are especially well-balanced for my taste. With the mix of squares and rectangles, I think, this gives the work more movement and makes it appear less flat, less 2D and more 3D. I imagine a plain wall and this blaze of colour hitting the senses as you approach.  

Three Daughters of Mexico, (1995).(www.vads.ac.uk)

This piece is part of the Royal College of Art Collection and measures 1450 mm x 1880 mm.

As yet, I have not found out who or what the Daughters represent other than their literal title. If we assume being daughters and family is the theme then this piece works well. The panels are all individual but carry elements between the three such as colour, pattern and geometric shapes which, to me,conveys the genetic link and as an ensemble piece represents the family. I like the symbolism and the shapes, not so keen on the colours.

Aspects of the Sun, (1990), (designmuseum.org)

This piece was produced for the John Lewis Partnership.

This is one of the best pieces in my opinion. The sheer size and scale are impressive, the amount of work and dedication required to bring this artwork to life is breathtaking.  The aspects of the subject matter chosen are well-represented. The colours fit perfectly, the eclipse segment being particularly stunning. Knowing that all these apparent perfect spheres are made from square blocks of colour is an achievement worthy of praise.