Exhibition 'Steph Huang: There is nothing old under the sun' in esea contemporary
In the end, in every visitation of places, we carry with us this burden of what has already been lived, already been seen, but the effort we are prompted to make every day is that of rediscovering a gaze that erases and forgets habit; not so much to see with different eyes, as due to the necessity getting back our bearings anew in space and time.
– L. Ghirri, Paesaggio Italiano, Milano 1989
For Steph Huang, as for many creatives, the roles of cook and artist are delightfully entwined. Huang’s experience as a chef has provided her with a repertoire of foods, packaging and merchandising techniques that feed into sculptures and installations. And like any accomplished cook, Huang draws on a cornucopia of skills for her art, including printing, glassblowing, casting, welding and woodwork.
In this new exhibition, Huang continues her investigation into mass production and commerce, the transcultural and historical dimensions of the food industry, and the implications of such markets on our natural environment. Using a variety of manual techniques, Huang transforms everyday spaces and objects, resulting in minimalist sculptures and poetically charged installations of quiet resonance.
Huang is the 21st winner of the Mark Tanner Sculpture Award (MTSA), the most significant award for emerging UK artists working in the field of sculpture. It seeks to reward outstanding and innovative practice, with a particular interest in work that demonstrates a commitment to process, or sensitivity to material.
As part of the MTSA’s National Touring Programme, 'There is nothing old under the sun' was exhibited at Standpoint in London from 17th May to 29th June 2024. Following its display at esea contemporary, the exhibition will tour to Cross Lane Projects in Kendal in March 2025.
The exhibition is generously supported by MTSA and Arts Council England. Exhibition catalogue supported by the Henry Moore Foundation. Co-commission supported by the University of Salford Art Collection.