The Smallest Gallery in Soho Presents Unique Installation 'Capacity'
The Smallest Gallery in Soho is delighted to present a new installation by London based artist James Tailor. Under unique circumstances where the galley’s art is only to be viewed from the street, it is a cultural location showing art where people can visit, and at the same time, keep their social distance.
A global commentary on Covid-19, the installation incorporates attributes of outbreak, anxiety, restriction of movement, and isolation, and highlights the strains and dangers faced by NHS and key-workers, emergency services, delivery and supermarket workers, businesses, the self-employed and the claustrophobia the general public feel being asked to stay at home.
In this instance, a pre-existing loaned inflatable from Megaflatables of a Teddy Bear - often seen as a symbol of innocence and comfort - has been installed, which references the global Teddy Bear Hunt, against Pantone 300 background, the signature colour of the NHS, acting as a symbol of hope.
At full capacity, the inflatable is twice the size of the interior, creating a visual illusion as the work expands to what seems like a bursting point and then deflates - an oversized visual representation of the anxious breath - holding and hopeful anticipation that we have been experiencing as a society.
Inflating and deflating within each hour, the motion magnifies the restrictive nature of the space while keeping viewers engaged.
