Spotlight: Joni Smith

Mapping the unseen landscape
11 June, 2021
Joni Smith, paper cut artist, Norwich 2021
Joni Smith, paper cut artist, Norwich 2021
The corruption of such authoritative information as a map is a provocative act taken still further by assembling the work following a new set of simple rules Joni Smith applies to each reconstruction. Decisions are made, the usual divisions between land and sea break up, but these momentous reorganisations will not compromise the rule set she employs.
Through her intensive cutting or weaving process, as each piece takes shape there is an equilibrium reached that occurs, as one world described with the certainty that mapping brings, breaks down, and another parallel one following Joni's corrupting influence emerges, bringing with it its own conceptual logic. She reappraises the value of topographic information in relation to land forms, reassigning that information in each new configuration.

Pinks and Greens (WWII Atlas - Reconfigured)  40 x 40 x 4cm £ 210

 

Movements in Space  (Hand cut watercolour paper) 51 x 65 x 4cm  £840

 

Antigravity(Hand cut watercolour paper) 60 x 60 x 4cm  £ 665 

 

Manifold (Hand cut circles, cut from data maps, liquid pen) 44 x 50 x 4cm  £ 700

 

Wanderlust(Hand cut watercolour paper) 34 x 42 x 4cm £420

About the author

Paul Vater, Director of Contemporary and Country

Paul Vater

PAUL VATER
Paul conducts studio visits to maintain strong relationships with artists, designers and craftspeople who show their work with us. He manages the main C&C website and has developed the online shop where selected works are presented for sale.

 

Paul established his design company, Sugarfree, in 1990 and quickly gained a reputation for delivering fresh, effective marketing campaigns and brand identities for clients including Save the Children Fund, United Nations Association and UNHCR. Over the years those added to the roster include IPC Magazines, Arts Council England, The Roundhouse, Barbican Centre, Arts Marketing Association, Look Ahead Housing and Care, Paddington Waterside, BBC Worldwide, Commonwealth Foundation, Prestel, City of London Corporation, Baker Street Quarter, Victoria BID and the University of East Anglia.