Mental map takes us on a surreal journey
The delicate art of embroidery meets the discipline of cartography in the work of Australian artist Jessica Rankin.
But the mountain terrains, vast continents and constellations map out mental rather than actual landscapes: snaking lines might suggest rivers, or silvery pinpricks the solar system, but the biomorphic shapes that punctuate their landscapes take us on a more surreal journey.
On their surfaces are white beads of difficult-to-decipher phrases arranged like concrete poetry. Running on without gaps, they become dizzying abstract patterns on the map's surface.
Once deciphered they speak of hysterical, pent-up emotions: WHENYOUHIDE INTHESHADOWSYOU BECOMEME;IWANTEDTO SCREAMBUTINSTEADDID SOMEWEIRDSORTOFJIG, reads one line.
Rational map-making becomes a conduit for pulsating, one might even suggest self-consciously feminine, emotions, while the words themselves avoid any running or coherent narrative.
Stitched on delicately coloured, layered panels of organdy - a sheer, diaphanous cotton - these works are seductively pretty. Positioned several inches from the wall, they cast faint shadows behind them, seeming to hover or vibrate with spectral energy.
Embroidery might well be the new painting, since there are so many international artists practising it. But few quite match the exquisite needlecraft of this young artist.
Until May 19, White Cube, 48 Hoxton Square N1, Tue to Sat 10am to 6pm, free. Tel: 020 7930 5373. Tube: Old Street
Jessica Rankin: New Work
White Cube
Hoxton Square, N1 6PB
