
Alysn Midgelow-Marsden
Auckland, Aotearoa
Inspirer, energiser, facilitator and maker of lyrical, fluid sculptural works using textile based techniques.
MessageCollection: we live suspended by fine threads
The title ‘we live suspended by fine threads’ reflects the central metaphor for this body of work: the tenuous yet resilient threads that hold together ecosystems, relationships, and life itself. Shadow and light are integral, the interplay between presence and absence in both physical and emotional realms. The shadows cast by the works become part of the narrative, creating ephemeral layers that extend beyond the material forms. This reflects my fascination with the gaps and spaces—what is left unsaid, unseen, or incomplete—and how we, as humans, fill these voids with our imagination and understanding. The concept also draws on my interest in the unseen communication systems of plants, the chemical signals that plants exchange through hidden networks has shaped my perspective on interconnectedness. These natural processes parallel the way humans communicate emotionally and psychologically, often through subtle and unspoken cues. By integrating this theme, I aim to bridge the personal and universal, connecting my experiences to the broader systems that sustain life. The works vary in scale, incorporating materials chosen for their ability to convey both vulnerability and durability. This duality echoes my own inner experiences of navigating connection and disconnection. “We live suspended by fine threads” is deeply rooted in personal experiences and reflections on the fragile yet profound connections that shape our world. This body of work explores the delicate balance that sustains existence—a balance mirrored in our relationships with each other and with nature. I have always been drawn to exploring the unseen: the intangible threads that bind us, the emotional and psychological nuances of human connection, and the hidden networks within the natural world. I am compelled to translate these abstract ideas into visual forms, using materials like wire, metal, and metal fabrics to embody strength and fragility with moving image projections playing through the works when in a suitable environment. These works are an extension of my own introspection, inviting viewers to reflect on their place within these intricate systems of connection.
Alysn is an interdisciplinary artist working across textile, sculpture and installation to create lyrical, magical works which celebrate connections.
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