Handmade vs. Technology

2019, paint on perforated canvas, embroidery on perforated photographic prints

Whenever there are major periods of transformation in society, from the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century to the proliferation of mass market production and consumerism in the 60s and 70s, there is always a resurgence of textiles, craft and the handmade. An inevitable reaction which occurs in response to the escalation of technological manufacture and which habitually causes the artists of the time to return to focus on detail, craftsmanship and tactility. This rejection of mass production has once more resurfaced as we make huge and rapid advances in modern technology.

The work Pemberton produced for this exhibition originated from ideas regarding texture and tactility as well as documenting the ubiquitous nature of digital technology in quotidian life.