Laura Kikauka, Spacex, 7 March to the 2 May 2009
Words by Graham Taylor
Podcast by Pete Bishop
Phonic FM presenter Pete Bishop talks to Laura Kikauka – PLAY the podcast
At the age of 41, popular Canadian artist, Laura Kikauka shows no sign of slowing down, and continues to make eccentric and vibrantly creative pieces.
At the art exhibition at the Spacex centre, Laura shows off some of finest creations, such as a diamond encrusted skull, one of many in a vast collection.
There display is awash with music based themes and there is much use of old vinyl CDs and picture covers.
But the thing that is most prominent throughout the exhibition is that it all reflects the coluourful character of Laura herself; everything is exciting, racy and makes you feel welcome.
As Laura opened her exhibition and gave a talk she was a pleasure to be around; she was warm and welcoming, and answers questions very bluntly.
When quizzed on her favourite piece of work, she said: “I believe that every piece I have done is all one big piece, that represents who I am as a person.”
Asked where she gets her influences from, she replied: “I normally get them from what I do in day to day life, but also from other artists, particularly those who I have collaborated with.”
Laura has worked with a vast array of different creative artists, but many would agree that she gets her ideas from what she does in her life.
Laura lives on a lower budget than many, and most of the pieces that make up her exhibition come from flea markets and even dustbins, but she uses them to great effect, as she makes new and exciting models every day. When asked if her art was on display at her home she revealed: “My house is like one big piece of art. Every little piece of decorating and art was made by me.”
A picture of her house was shown tot he audeince, and it was incredibly similar to that of the exhibition; it was bright, eccentric and if I’m honest pretty cool.
Many commented on the colour schemes that Laura uses. Everything was incredibly bright, but it was a picture of the seas in all different shades of blue that attracted the most attention.
The beautiful creations were a hit with all, and many wondered how long they took her to compile. She commented: “Normally, they take me about three days, but if I’m really into the project, I can get it done in less than a day.”
Although a lot of her products have questionable meanings, there are quite a lot of erotic models on display. Such examples are a picture of a stark naked man, and a shop window dummy, lying erotically in a bath.
Despite this, many of her creations were child friendly. When some younger children were quizzed on their views of Laura’s work, the vast majority said it was nothing like they’d ever seen, but they loved it.
The opening of this exhibition was a complete success. I particularly enjoyed her welcoming manner and enthusiastic approach to creative art.
This was her first exhibition in Britain of her work, and I doubt it will be her last.