Paisley
Exploding the Teardrop
In collaboration with The Pattern Lab, PM Gallery presents a show of new work exploring the roots of paisley – its origins, development over the centuries and the myriad uses to which it has been put. Eight international artists contribute to this sumptuous exhibition, which is sited across Sir John Soane's Pitzhanger Manor-House and Gallery.
Paisley: Exploding the Teardrop reflects the first appearance of the
teardrop-shaped buta (buta means 'flower' in Hindi) or paisley motif in
Babylon and its travels through time, continents and cultures.
Paisley's evolution can be traced in textiles, painting and tiles, across India and into Europe in the18th century, mass production
of the paisley shawl in Paisley, Scotland in the 19th century, followed
by its widespread appearance during the 1960s, epitomising the
influence of Indian culture on psychedelia. the stories of Paisley’s
townsfolk or ‘buddies’ as they relate their hometown’s rich textile
heritage.
The 'buta’' or paisley motif is surrounded by myth and legend. It has been likened to the young shoots of the date palm, which was necessary for existence, as it provided food, wine, thatch, wood, paper and string and is thought to have been the ‘prototype’ for the tree of life. Today the irrepressible paisley motif is part of the popular iconography of contemporary art and design.
The 'buta’' or paisley motif is surrounded by myth and legend. It has been likened to the young shoots of the date palm, which was necessary for existence, as it provided food, wine, thatch, wood, paper and string and is thought to have been the ‘prototype’ for the tree of life. Today the irrepressible paisley motif is part of the popular iconography of contemporary art and design.
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'Flying Buti' | 'Wanda' Jane Langley oil and silverpoint on canvas 2007 123cm x92cm | 'Beaded Buti' watercolour and silverpoint on paper | ||||||
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| Installation view of 'Heidi' and 'Judy' | 'Judy' Jane Langley oil and silverpoint on canvas 2007 164 x 180 high | 'Heidi' Jane Langley oil and silverpoint on canvas 2007 164 x 180 high | ||||||
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'High Summer' Jane Langley 2007 | ||||||||
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| 'Encrypted' (detail) 2007 Kathleen Mullaniff | 'Encrypted' 1-8 2007 Kathleen Mullaniff | ||||||
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| 'A Pocket Full of Posies' Kathleen Mullaniff wax and pigment on paper. | ||||||||
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Installation view |
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| 'DMCPLASTICITY' Jennifer Wright 2007 Hama beads and paper | 'DMCPLASTICITY' Jennifer Wright 2007 Hama beads and paper | 'DMCPLASTICITY' Jennifer Wright 2007 Hama beads and paper | ||||||
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'DMC PAISLEYPORTAL' embroidery detail Jennifer Wright | 'DMC Paisley Portal' Jennifer Wright Embroidery and photograph 2007 | |||||||
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| 'Song For Nettie' Lisa Busby 2007 | ||||||||
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| Billiard Room installation Lisa Busby 2007 | Billiard Room installation (details) Lisa Busby 2007 | 'Song for Nettie' (Detail of Dress) | ||||||
 Installation shot showing 'Homecoming' Rekha Rodwittiya 2007 |  'Homecoming' (Detail)Rekha Rodwittiya 2007 | 
Installation shot showing 'Homecoming' Rekha Rodwittiya 2007 | ||||||
'Deception in Reflection' video (still)Gurdeep Shemar 2007 | 
'Homecoming' (detail) Rekha Rodwittiya | |||||||
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| 'Paradise on Earth, Paradise in Pain' Delaine Le Bas 2007 mixed media |  | 
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(installation views) Delaine Le Bas | 'Paradise on Earth, Paradise in Pain' Delaine Le Bas 2007 mixed media | |||||||
'Massillon Tree #10' (Detail)Weave Laurie Addis 2007  |  |
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