‘Decorated’, by Nigel Cheney
‘Decorated’ is a body of new textile artworks in progress by Nigel Cheney that explores the relationships between commemoration and
memory. Inspired by the inscription on the war memorial in his hometown of
Market Harborough, Leicestershire, England he began to research the short life
of his great grandfather Corporal William Holman, who died on 11th
April 1917 in Bois-en-Hache, Souchez, France. Like countless other soldiers
from many countries who were killed by mortar fire no human remains were found
or indeed identifiable and his only legacy is that of the inscriptions on 3 war
memorials. His letters home have a formality that speaks of a different time,
of values and traditions that are in sharp contrast with today’s social media
communications.
An interest in the notion of the collector,
of medals, commemoration and memorabilia led to a visual research of military
insignia, postmarks, archival information and the visual language used to
describe sacrifice, service, identity and authenticity. A life long fascination
with embroidery and decoration runs through the work. The exquisite gold work
of uniforms and the ornate script of certificates and official records provides
a wealth of inspiration.
Cheney’s work is a mixture of textile
processes. The end result is a rich, layered surface that makes connections
from opposing materials. An image of a 19th century soldier may be
juxtaposed with a vintage tablecloth. The colours of ribbons may be reinvented
to symbolize struggles and campaigns that fall outside of the prescribed order
of medals and regalia. The actual cloth itself often has significance, being a
found article that is imbued with other memories and meanings. Imagery is
central to Cheney’s work and he uses digital print and contemporary technology
to reproduce antique photographs and printed materials. From ration books to
discharge papers he uses the visual language of ‘official’ records to subvert
and play with our perceptions in an attempt to construct new narratives. His
aim is to seduce the audience with a sophisticated aesthetic that belies the
contradictions represented by the work itself.
