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Whilst working out logistics for Saturday’s ‘Shadow drawing’, I was reminded of the work of Tim Noble & Sue Webster, and their shadow installations. (see their ‘bust’ of the late Isabella Blow, above.)

I’m reminded of these pieces by recent reposting of them on various social networking sites- titles such as ‘real or photoshopped?’ appear above them, and I can’t help but think how different the response to them is, now that we live in these technologically connected days.

Whether these creations are ‘real’ or not, is beside the point. Photoshop certainly wasn’t something I had access to 12 years ago. They were beautifully thought out, and put across a wonderful idea- that we could see things differently…even things such as piles of rubbish.

I was lucky enough to see many of their shadow pieces with my very eyes at an unforgettable exhibition I visited back in 2000 (12 years ago, I am surprised to find out when I search online).

‘Apocalypse’  (click for predictably curt info about the exhibition from the BBC) was, and is, still one of the most memorable and inspiring exhibitions I have ever been to- one that I constantly return to in my mind. Truly fascinating work, from all the far-flung corners of the art world.

Noble & Webster were a stand-out addition to the exhibition, which I visited on numerous occasions. 

I’m looking forward to seeing how, many years on from seeing these, we can work with shadows and silhouettes within a life drawing environment. Shadows are always seen as dark, frightening- an indication of a mysterious figure in low light, but how will it actually affect our drawing?

Drawing starts at 3pm on Saturday at the Artist Residence hotel.

Email: kateshieldsillustration@gmail.com to reserve a place.