ANNA BAKER

Cells, 2010/2011, paper and threads, dimension variable

Resulting from my research at zoos and various museum archives a series of works focussing on swarming are being developed. I am looking into synchrony and group behaviours of bacteria, insects, fish and some mammals. I am particularly interested in group happenings where the individuals appear not to directly communicate with each other OR communicate only to serve their own ends. This recent work explores positive and negative space. Repetition of marks in the form of hand drawn grids on neutral surfaces has become a feature and has led to a minimalist aesthetic. ‘Cells’ describes individual cells that make-up a piece of work which evolves according to its location. The piece can grow or shrink depending on where it is installed. The work covers an entire wall or floor space and echoes the natural order of the inner workings of a living organism whilst describing its ever evolving nature. Central to the production of my work is my fascination with exploiting the potential of commonplace materials, such as lining paper, cooking oils, vinegars and candle wax; substances that are inexpensive, easily accessible and of a domestic nature. The familiarity of the materials, coupled with the ambiguous and sometimes alarming effect of the collective helps me question the power of group endeavour.

Anna Baker studied at Cardiff School of Art and Goldsmiths College, London. She is currently completing an MA in Fine Art at Camberwell College, London. Her work has been shown across Europe and China. She has received a number of awards including The Eleanor Hipwell Prize for Fine Art and The Dulcie Mayne Stephens Travel Award. Most recently Anna has been awarded residencies at Flat Time House, London and Frans Masereel Centrum, Belgium.