Exploring the Interplay of Space and Self in Charlotte Edey's Art

Charlotte Edey, an artist known for her multimedia practice, investigates the intricate relationship between the body, psyche, and environment through her artwork. Her latest exhibition features immersive pieces that serve as portals, inviting viewers to engage with the interplay of personal and structural experiences.

New York Observer

Edey’s artistic journey began with a focus on drawing at the Royal Drawing School in London, where she honed her skills in observational practice. Despite lacking formal architectural training, her interest in the theory behind living spaces informs her work. Each piece originates from sketches in pencil and pastel, which evolve into soft pastel compositions on sanded paper. Edey’s textile works, including tapestries, start as drawings that are translated into digital formats before being hand-embroidered and beaded, maintaining a direct connection between mind and material.

New York Observer

Central to Edey’s exhibition is the labyrinth, a metaphor for selfhood and spatial navigation. She describes the labyrinth as both a narrative and spatial structure shaped by memory and movement. Edey’s largest works, "Gauze" and "Fold above fold," reach nearly eight feet in height and width, creating immersive environments that challenge viewers to navigate choreographed movements. These pieces function as portals, offering new perspectives on space and inviting contemplation.

New York Observer

Edey’s work reflects a deep engagement with themes of repair and memory. She draws parallels between the act of mending fabric and healing the body, emphasizing an embodied practice that mirrors societal and ecological dimensions. Her engagement with literature on symbolic architecture, particularly the ideas of Aldo Rossi, resonates with her belief that structures can embody collective memory and trauma.

New York Observer

While Edey’s work has been praised for its intricate detail and conceptual depth, some critics argue that the complexity of her pieces may alienate viewers who prefer more straightforward artistic expressions. The challenge of engaging with her work requires a willingness to invest time and thought, which may not appeal to all audiences.

New York Observer

Edey articulates her artistic philosophy, stating, “I like the idea of a portal that slows you down, that makes you pause and think twice.” This sentiment underscores her intention to create art that fosters a deeper connection to the material world and encourages reflection on personal and collective experiences.

New York Observer

• “In my work, I’m interested in ideas of self-care as they are reflected in interior space,” — Charlotte Edey, Artist

New York Observer

• “The way you repair a piece of fabric mirrors the way we think about repairing the body; it’s an embodied practice,” — Charlotte Edey, Artist

New York Observer

• “That’s the experience I crave. If that feeling can be passed on through the work, that feels like the magic of it.” — Charlotte Edey, Artist

New York Observer

Edey’s artistic practice stands as a response to contemporary disconnection from the physical world, offering a meditative and tactile experience that encourages viewers to reconnect with their surroundings. Through her exploration of space, self, and memory, Edey invites a reexamination of how we perceive and interact with the world around us.

New York Observer