6 April – 26 June, 2016
Room 5. First Floor
Born in South Africa, Kathleen Fox moved to England in 1987, unable to tolerate the political situation in her homeland. Participating in surrealism since 1991, her work is a reflection on issues of identity and exile, explored through unconscious processes and the myths they generate.
My work varies in medium drawing, painting, objects, and video but it is consistent in its interest: an exploration of that fluid realm that is the unconscious. I use texture and found objects as a means to attempt to bypass rational thought and immerse myself in (or be immersed by) a space that is elusive and intangible and yet more pertinent than the visible. Play, chance and accident have a crucial role in this process, as does automatism. The thrill of the unpredictable is the matrix of the journey. There is an element of randomness in the nature of the execution of each medium and technique that allows an intuitive process to the lead the way. The narratives that surface and evolve form part of an unfolding personal mythology. My work is informed by formative years in South Africa, Surrealism, African and Greek Mythology and reading in prehistory”.
Kathleen Fox took part in a residency at the Freud Museum, London, which led to the exhibition “The Spaces Of The Unconscious” in 2010, linking Freud, Surrealism and Foxs investigations into the unconscious. The exhibition was curated by Krzysztof Fijalkowski, catalogue text by Michael Richardson and Krzysztof Fijalkowski.
Kathleen’s words:
Hi Natalia,
What a fabulous inauguration, such interesting people to meet and talk to, so much support for the Foundation and such a great team at the Foundation itself. They all worked so hard to get everything looking so good and running smoothly, I wish you could have been here to enjoy the interest shown by many people in the work and the range of techniques. Thank you so much for asking me to exhibit, I’ve had such a wonderful time.
There are two videos showing at the exhibition. In all I’ve made three over the last 10 years or so, and have left a copy of each with the Foundation for you to use if and when you like.
Today I also wrote out a description of the techniques used in the work on display for those that are interested.
I do so hate photos of myself by the way, though I know the press photos are good for documentation. And publicity.
Tomorrow is my last full day, which is sad.
XxKathy
