Contemporary Domesticity

14 Apr-25 Apr 2021

Overview

The concept of home is timeless, both in human history and as depicted throughout art history. From our earliest dwellings to modern houses, homes have provided safety and shelter, and served as the space for our interiority – our habits, routines, mores and dynamics. It is where individual identity is crafted and expressed. These ideas have taken on a new meaning in light of lockdowns and stay at home orders. Seemingly overnight, our inner worlds have become our entire worlds, our home rituals even more sacred. The idea for Contemporary Domesticity has been on my mind for a while, as I have always wanted to explore how contemporary artists engage with domestic space: from the mundane to the decorative, how these spaces hold their lives, their meals, family gatherings, pictures and heirlooms, quiet spaces, books and flowers. The artist’s home is also where I find myself spending so much time in, as many of the studio visits I do throughout the year are within artists’ homes. I often find that the home says so much about the artist, the way they work, live, and what they choose to surround themselves with. I find my eyes wandering around the home, trying to piece together the puzzle of the person. I also find the experiences of these home visits so rewarding, filled with generosity, hospitality, and warmth, offering true insight into the person behind the artwork.