Review feature: Cyborg sculptures | St Pancras Crypt | Jane Webb | circuits boards and computer parts | sci-fi | Illumini

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Published: 4 September 2008

Cyborg Female, Jane Webb

New reverence for technology

THE Cyborg sculptures looming eerily in the cool dark alcoves of St Pancras Crypt from today (Thursday) could symbolise a carcass, an idol or perhaps a prophecy.
Jane Webb is known in the art world for her stained glass wall panels and light features made from mirror but her primary fascination, is with the influence of prosthetics and cybernetics on the modern psyche.
Using bits of old circuit boards and scrap computer to create bright and beautiful sculptures she aims to highlight how our reverence for technological tools affects the way we see ourselves.
Webb said: “These days with our accessories and gadgets we are all very much starting to look like mechanical beings, robots and sci-fi phenomena. It’s worrying how far it might go.”
The opening night at the St Pancras Parish Church in Euston Road, Bloomsbury, should be a packed out affair with outdoor fire shows, jugglers and stilt-walkers.
Everyone is welcome said Webb.
“It’s completely an open affair and free to everybody.
“The whole point of the show was to get a mix of all kinds of different people come and enjoy the work. When exhibitions open up they hold a private viewing just for the elite which I think is very off-putting for ordinary people.”
She said: “I think art should be seen and free and accessible to everyone. It’s a distraction from the daily grind – a way to relax.”
She has found artists at all stages of their careers from students to professionals and even people that have no experience in the field.
Andrea Tynmes an art student has used pictures she shot of the lighting used at various Amy Winehouse gigs as inspiration for her paintings. Her work will be exhibited alongside Webb’s mirror light box of Amy’s face, which glows bright red at night and is to be donated to the songstress after the show.
Nominee for the Garden Photographer of the Year award, Liz Murfitt has contributed photograms to light the corridors and stairwells while Silvui Pascal’s short film will offer a child’s eye view of the speed of light and movement.
SARA NEWMAN

• Illumini, curated by Jane Webb, opens September 4 and runs until September 17 at The Crypt, St Pancras Church, Euston Road. Open daily 11am-7pm free admission.

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