Creative Times

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Laser Designs Add Spark To London Exhibition

A leading laser firm based in South Yorkshire has helped a critically acclaimed artist create four stunning showpieces for an exhibition in London.

Barnsley-based Cutting Technologies was approached by artist Paul Robinson to help with four particular pieces for his Descending the Staircase exhibition.

The pop-up exhibition focuses on Paul’s latest series of work, entitled ‘Decadence.’ The series was inspired by wallpaper in Paul’s family home in Grimsby, where he lived for 25 years. Through a process of digital reconstruction, Paul has recreated the ornate, repetitive pattern and replicated it onto carefully selected surfaces through controlled experiments. Robinson describes his practice as ‘artificial decay’, as repeating factors affect the work, much like seasonal elements would affect a surface naturally.

Cutting Technologies has produced two laser cut and engraved pieces for the exhibition in brass and steel, both around 40cm x 60cm and 1.2mm thick. There is a woodland scene in stainless steel and a similar theme in brass with a different design laser engraved on to it. The intricate designs look like the wallpaper has been ripped, with the laser engraving showing through.

They have also created two larger, 180cm x 120cm panels from steel (entitled “Causality” and “Singing in the Rain”) which have been allowed to rust to give them the “artificial decay” finish.

Jane Robinson, director of Cutting Technologies (no relation to Paul) said: “The artwork looks brilliant in the photos but is breath-taking when you see it up close. Paul has some amazing ideas but also works very hard to develop them into artwork. His creations are really on trend.

“We often work alongside artists and designers as we can create laser work on dozens of different materials with a fast turnaround and it’s very rewarding to be involved in the creative process.”

Paul, whose work was recently featured in the Saatchi Gallery’s weekly round-up of talent, said: “I was really impressed with Cutting Technologies and the quality of the cutting and engraving is excellent. It’s been a pleasure working with them because they really understand artists and the whole creation process. It’s been great designing and producing a unique item with their help.”

The items are on display until May 19 at 10/11 Exhibition Road, London, moments from South Kensington largest museums.

Exhibition Road is at the lower end of the ‘Exhibition Road’ redevelopment in South Kensington: an initiative by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to transform the area into a world-leading cultural destination.