May 1 – June 20, 2014

Opening reception Thursday, May 1, 6-8 pm

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The McKee Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of an exhibition of new work by the British artist, LUCY WILLIAMS, her fourth exhibition in New York.

Lucy Williams is interested in early 20th century modernist design. She collects photographs (mostly black and white) of modernist buildings and interiors, which she then transforms and abstracts into
three-dimensional relief through her own sense of space, color and inventive use of diverse materials. These may include balsa wood, card, Plexiglas, wool embroidery, acrylic paint, cork and paper.

The title ‘Festival’ recalls the exciting ‘Festival of Britain’ held in London in 1951, where a new feeling of optimism, purpose and social responsibility was conveyed in modernist architecture, sculpture and design. This surprising and daring event was organized to inspire a public recovering from the trauma of war and trapped in the gray austerity of post-war Britain. International modernism was embraced by a new generation looking forward to modern homes and a comfortable, colorful lifestyle

Lucy Williams embraces their utopian vision of color and positive purpose, restoring the memory of architects and designers such as Leslie Martin, architect of the Royal Festival Hall, and Sir Basil Spence, who designed the thrilling Sea and Ships Pavilion for the Festival. Their designs, among many others, broke new ground, and allow Williams to enjoy their idiosyncratic edge and economy and to explore profound ideas in her own work.

32-page catalogue available with essay by Sally OʼReilly.

For further information and images, please contact Karyn Behnke at karyn@mckeegallery.com

Bousfield School, 2013 paper, card, Plexiglas, cork, gravel effect scenic mat, silver colored card and acrylic paint on board 15 3/4 x 23 1/2 x 1 1/14 inches, 40 x 59.5 x 3 cm		Bricket Wood, 2013 Plexiglas, cork, balsa wood, paper, card, walnut veneer, silver colored card and acrylic paint on board 29 1/2 x 46 7/8 x 1 3/8 inches, 75 x 119 x 3.5 cm