London-based artist Paddy Hartley’s artworks revolve around themes of remembrance, asking if rather than being obsessed by memorialization, we should instead advocate a natural passing of memory and an acceptance that forgetting can be as healing as remembering. His work ranges from bespoke embroidered First World War military uniforms, telling the stories of injured servicemen, to botanically accurate poppies created entirely from lambs’ heart tissue and horse hair, doomed to decay.
Drawing inspiration from a wide range of
sources, not least human stories and memories, Hartley uses bio-tissue assembly, digital embroidery, photography, ceramics, installation and sculpture developed in collaboration with leading scientists and curators. During his residency at The Lowry, Hartley will present existing work as well as creating a new, constantly evolving installation piece involving the excavating and moulding of clay into artworks inspired by battlefield archaeology then left to disintegrate. Visitors are given a glimpse into the studio practice of a diverse and inspired artist, and will have the chance to ask him questions, discuss his ideas and submit their own ancestral stories of the First World War.
The Lowry’s Edits series gives artists and performers a physical space to work in our galleries and time to develop previously unexplored ideas into new works.
Donations welcome.
