“Uprooted” Exhibition Showcases the Enigmatic Soft Sculptures of Emerging Artist Ellie Thompson at Fusion Arts’ #WindowGalleries
Fusion Arts is delighted to present "Uprooted," an extraordinary exhibition featuring the captivating soft sculptures of recent Ruskin Graduate, Ellie Thompson. “Uprooted” will be on display at the Fusion Arts #WindowGalleries in Oxford City Centre from September 11th to October 2nd, 2023. The Fusion Arts #WindowGalleries are located at Friars Entry, Oxford, OX1 2BZ.
Ellie Thompson, a rising star in the world of contemporary art, has garnered acclaim for her soft sculptural installations, which have graced galleries and public spaces across the UK, including Bath, London, Bristol, Oxford, and Rugby. "Uprooted" marks her latest exploration of the intersection between art, nature, and human emotion.
Thompson draws inspiration from the complex human emotion known as schadenfreude, defined as the satisfaction or pleasure derived from another's misfortune. This intriguing concept profoundly influences her artistic practice, and she finds joy in how her pop-up installations often displace and disorient the characters she creates.
"The interaction between the viewer and my sculptures is essential - they need to stare at one another," Thompson explains. "I often find that organic encounters with these characters are much more rewarding when they are spontaneous, popping up outside of the gallery space."
What sets Ellie Thompson's art apart is her unconventional and improvisational approach. She never plans her sculptures in advance, allowing her creativity to guide her throughout the process. Thompson initiates her work with a skull, improvising shapes and features as she goes along.
"Uprooted" itself emerged as a testament to Thompson's creative process. It began as an anteater but gradually transformed into a hybrid creation, resembling a hapless carrot wrenched from the earth and hoisted for all to see. This evolution encapsulates the essence of her artistry, where the unexpected and the whimsical converge to form profound narratives.
Uprooted will be on display in the #WindowGalleries along Friars Entry in Oxford, OX1 2BZ from 11th September until the 2nd October, free and available to visit at any time. The #WindowGalleries are an innovative collaboration between community organisation Fusion Arts and The Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels that connects and supports Oxford’s communities by creating a lively space for the public to experience inspiring work by local artists.
