AL BATES : ELBOW ROOM

London, UK – 6 March 2025 – 8 Holland Street announces the exhibition Al BATES | ELBOW ROOM, running at the Kensington gallery from 6 March to 24 May 2025. The exhibition presents a collection of textile works and paintings that examine the relationship between materiality, memory and space. Through layered compositions and tactile surfaces, the collection explores the physical and conceptual boundaries of domestic environments. The works depict familiar objets - chairs, tables and textiles - subtly distorted to evoke a sense of place that is both intimate and abstract. Chairs, in particular hold a recurring presence in Bates’ work - a nod to mid-century designers such as Hans Wegner and Kaare Klint. Through her surreal, slightly wonky renderings, Bates evokes the fragile balance between familiarity and unease, comfort and restraint.

Bates’ practice draws inspiration from artists who challenge the boundaries between fine art, craft and design. The sculptural domesticity of Valentine Schlegel, the expressive abstraction of Sandra Blow, and the intimate depictions of everyday objects by William Scott all inform Bates’ work. The bold colour sensibilities of Milton Avery and Lubaina Himid, as well as the rich textile traditions of the Gee’s Bend quiltmakers, resonate deeply in her approach to materiality and composition.

Each textile piece is meticulously crafted, integrating techniques such as knitting, needle-felting, quilting and appliqué alongside detailed still-life paintings. The exhibition reflects on how spaces influence our sense of belonging and the role of objects as quiet witnesses to daily life.

This marks her first solo exhibition, following recent recognition with the Colour in Design Award and the Incorporation of Bonnetmakers and Dyers of Edinburgh Prize. Bates was also shortlisted for the The Liberty Fabrics Studio Award and the Harriet’s Trust Award by Cockpit Arts.