Sophie Alliott

What are the main concerns within your practice?

The creation of life and its instant metamorphosis, either through management or accident. The occurrence of hybridity, mutation, decay, in a place where difference is welcomed, not as imperfection, but potential. The reinstating of difference into society, and the celebration of it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are your biggest influences?

Currently “exclusion” and “difference” is the focus of my work, referencing one of my biggest influences, Helen Chadwick, who draws attention to systems of exclusion, both medical and biological.

Chadwick chose to use “the most visceral, gorgeous, repellent and seductive materials to act as a conduit for her ideas.” The seduction draws people in – but then the subject matter makes them troubled, awkward, thoughtful – good. Chadwick challenged stereotypical perceptions of the body and embraced difference.

This is what I aim to achieve in my work. To celebrate difference and reflect the multiplicity of individuals, but also the multiplicity of our own selves, the complexity within us all.

I’m considering presenting my “Live artefacts” in glass cases to reference museums yet without wanting to make my work seem creepy or grotesque. (Lids open) Helen Chadwick took the grotesque out of museums and made it tender and vulnerable (Cameos) I would like to create something that would make the viewer feel at ease, for example introducing elements like chocolate, but perhaps presenting it in a museum context to make a good contrast, making reference to another influence of mine, Susan Hiller. I feel I am referencing Chadwick’s final work before she died “Unnatural Selection” and examining the progression of the cells rejected for IVF as not “normal”, as they evolve into embryos. Sensitivity in execution is obviously crucial. The Hunterian and Thackery museums both influence my research as well.

I intend to test different scales and materials and let my work grow. I want to experiment with presentation and play with seduction/repulsion but not tip into the gimmicky on one hand, or the weird and obscene on the other. Through experimentation I will get a better sense of it all and determine what works best.

 

What’s the first thing you do when you start/ what’s your process?

I work out what I’m trying to say because that tends to get a thought process going and I become more creative from an initial idea. But then things take a different track and I often come out with something completely unexpected.

 

 

 

What do you like most about the studio?

Probably the unpredictability of it, the feeling that anything could happen at any time and the freedom to work in a space that’s mine but can also be collaborative.

 

 

 

 

How has your work changed over the course of your degree?

I think I have become more confident about following through ideas. Previously I was less sure about an idea which didn’t have an obvious conclusion.

 

What are your plans after graduation?

I have no firm plans, but I aim to see what London has to offer for me! I am currently looking into an internship within the creative department in an advertising agency but am keen to see what other opportunities there are in the art world. I would like to explore my options and keep my art practice up throughout.