D.I.Y. by Richard Woods
The artist’s latest site-specific installation traverses art and design for a look at the ubiquity of modern renovation
by Andrea DiCenzo
Seductively simple and impishly clever, Richard Woods‘ signature exaggerated wood grain takes new shape in a site-specific show at London’s Alan Cristea Gallery this month. “D.I.Y.” sees the artist simultaneously mock and pay tribute to “the cult of renovation” sweeping the modern world by covering the gallery in his block-printed parquetry, which is exacerbated by “Offcuts” and “Remnants”—two new series of woodcut prints lining the walls—as well as woodblock- and radiator-patterned sculptures on the ground.
The brightly colored artificial wood boards start at the entrance and run throughout the entire gallery, stretching upwards to the ceiling. By flamboyantly breaking down facades into their most basic features, Woods creates a wholly immersive installation that speaks to our collective memory of historically artisanal processes. His conflation of art and design is a thought-provoking look at the ubiquitous artificiality of our architectural surroundings, while providing an amusing visual experience.
D.I.Y. is showing at The Alan Cristea Gallery in London from 29 April – 1 June 2013.
See more images in the slideshow. All photos by Andrea DiCenzo.
