Plexus No. 10

Plexus No. 10: Materialising the Structure of Light is an art exhibition that explores light and colour in fascinating new ways. Based at The National Centre for Craft and Design in Sleaford, this exhibition was created by Dallas-based artist Gabriel Dawe as part of his ‘Plexus’ series of artworks.

Upon entering the main gallery of the Centre, you may have to blink a few times as you adjust to the bright rainbow colours and disorientating curves of this striking exhibition. The installation (the largest structure Dawe has ever attempted) consists of giant veils of thousands of metres of coloured threads stretching from floor to ceiling. The artwork is made entirely from rainbow hued Gütermann thread, which creates an astounding effect as you wander through the elaborate curves of the exhibition, giving you the illusion that you are within a haze of rainbow colour.

Artist Gabriel Dawe was born in Mexico City, but now lives in Dallas. He was initially a graphic designer, but started to experiment with artwork. This led to the exploration of embroidery and installation which cover the boundaries between textiles, architecture and sculpture. Plexus No. 10 is based around this concept, but is on a much on larger scale than earlier works in the series. This piece of art is Dawe’s first horizontal artwork as all of his previous pieces have been vertical. It is made up of an astonishing 113 miles of thread, and took 200 hours to construct.

Those who work at The National Centre for Craft and Design are delighted with the new exhibition, and are also thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with renowned artist Dawe, who has never exhibited in the UK before. Naomi Law, Exhibition Assistant at the NCCD’s gallery told us, “It’s been a privilege to be involved with the installation of the work, and to meet Gabriel.” “It’s been an honour working with him, and to see the installation from the first thread to the the finished version.” The exhibition has attached visitors of all ages to the Centre.

To hear more from Naomi about how Plexus No. 10 was constructed and what it was like to meet Gabriel Dawe click here

The National Centre for Craft and Design is the biggest centre in England dedicated entirely to exhibiting and promoting craft and design, and showcases international works as well as giving graduates from local universities the chance to exhibit. The gallery is based in Sleaford with the aim of bringing more craft and design artworks into rural communities. Laura Mabbutt, the Exhibition Manager at the NCCD explains “Often you will find galleries like this down in London, or in big cities, but the idea here is to get it to these rural communities and give people in those areas a chance to see something amazing in their local area”

The next exhibition in the main gallery of the National Centre for Craft and Design will be the Museum of Broken Relationships, opening on 28th January 2012.

By Katie, Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy

For more information on the National Centre for Craft and Design, visit http://www.nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk/

Naomi’s description of Plexus No. 10 accompanied by pictures of the exhibition: