Boston
Boston Sculptors Gallery
Julia Shepley’s recent exhibition presented a suspended, kinetic installation in eight parts, as well as smaller wall reliefs and mixed-media drawings. Something that moves instantly grabs attention, particularly when you add the element of flickering shadows on surrounding white walls. The mesmerizing movements of Sky Habitation created an environment of ethereal beauty and visual excitement. The suspended units consist of hand-carved wooden chair parts and disks of clear plastic (Lexan) and wood joined with waxed linen thread. Each unit is carefully engineered to move with air currents and the actions of people “inhabiting” the installation (the gallery posted signs notifying viewers that they could engage with the installation and start the parts moving). Ambient air currents and a strategically placed fan helped to keep things in motion.
The slowly revolving forms were arranged in a confined space, suspended from the ceiling at different heights and positions. At times, they seemed completely abstract; other times, they suggested machines and reminded one of tinker toy flying machines. Playful and teasing, the installation gave the feeling of glimpses caught out of the corner of the eye since you could never take it all in at once and things were constantly changing. The constructions also suggested shadow puppets and marionettes. Shepley has an ongoing interest in puppetry, and influences from this art form can be seen in her kinetic sculptures. Lighting, an important element in the installation, was controlled for maximum effect in emphasizing the moving shadows. Color was neutral and unassuming, leaving the attention on the movement and the shadows, like drawings in space and light…see the entire review in the print version of September’s magazine.
