To be totally honest, I was not really attracted by Kate Street’s work when I first saw it on her website. I did not understand it. I then went to her studio in Hackney and was absolutely stunned, both by the artist and her art. Without knowing her, I had pictured Kate as an older, somewhat anxious woman. I was quite surprised to meet a young refreshing artist with sparkling black eyes.
To discover her wall-based sculptures and experience them in 3D instead of the 2D image I’d seen on the Internet sparked my curiosity and interest.
Bird in the Hand II, 2007 Plaster casts, sculpey, bird parts and oil paint Dimension variable
When Kate explained to me that she uses language, proverbs (such as Little death, A bird in the hand …) and turns them into imagery (sculpture and drawings) I started to understand where she was coming from: the influence of the Dutch XVIIth century painters, the vanities, the romantic, sometimes gothic. She plays a game with words as if she was making fun of her own nightmares, fantasies and fears: standing on the edge of life and death, desire and innocence, insolence and decency.
Fucking Roaches III, 2009. Plaster casts, wire, and oil paint. Dimensions Variable
I was amazed by her craftsmanship. Each piece of her installation is skilfully and beautifully hand-made except for the taxidermist piece she included from time to time. Her drawings are staggering, so dainty. I also had the good fortune to see her latest work which she has not disclosed yet.
So do not forget her name and keep her in mind!
She is currently showing in Italy, Ireland and London and in Nettie Horn Gallery in London. She was part of the Space Between exhibition at the Crypt Saint Pancras church."
