THE WRITING IS ON THE WALL, 2009
SELECTED - UK
Caren Garfen’s spectacular wall-hanging incorporates a framed textile portrayal of Tennyson’s house, embroidered bookmarks, and the looming silhouette of a TV, contrasting Tennyson’s social evenings with contemporary society’s reliance on and obsession with multi-channel TV. Judy Adams, freelance writer for Crafts magazine
The concept behind this piece relates to Emily and Alfred Tennyson but has a universal theme. The Tennysons’ lifestyle was researched and it was found that they read vast amounts of literature. Their evenings would be filled with guests, readings and discussion, and these were compared to a typical evening spent by the average person in the 21st century.
Created to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lord Alfred Tennyson's birth.
A shadow of a 21st century television and Sky box hovers in the background
Featured in: Bending the Line, 62 Group exhibition catalogue, 2009
Tennyson read to Emily every night. Television soaps and their viewing figures are stitched onto the back of bookmarks.
Kid Gloves
Farringford House, Isle of Wight. Home of the Tennyson family
Photo credits: Electric Egg
Measurement: 112cm x 180cm
Process: Hand stitch, hand drawing, hand painting, photographic silkscreen printing
Materials: Textile, silk threads, cotton gloves, binder, pigments
Exhibited in:
Bending the Line, Hub, Sleaford, Lincolnshire (2009)