For the last four years Hayley Lock has been developing a series of works depicting characters from her imaginary world of monarchy and noble folk. Pseudo sexual characters adorn behavioural oddments through a terrifying back - story of historical events as yet untold, titled ‘Imperial Leather’. Derived from snippets of overheard conversation and appropriated images Locks works weaves new narratives of history and myth through a complicated and sometimes mysterious tale of heartache, lust and delusional thinking.

Introducing new characters, modes of transport, and trophies that may or may not exist within the story that as yet still remains hidden from the viewer, forcing the audience to re-invent their own dialogue within the works. Works are repeatedly revisited by Lock over a prolonged period of time allowing for constant reinvention to an often bizarre and outlandish end.

The repeat of the geometric shapes, sounds, sculptures and wall - based works are significant to the story to date, revealing the souvenirs that Lock’s main character ‘Gimp’ has picked up from various encounters.

Lock reinvented new histories in historic places with curator Catherine Hemelryk and invited writers Ben Moor, Pamela Hartshorne, Lucinda Hawksley, Hallie Rubenhold and Liz Williams in 2011 and 2012. Lock will be working through fantasies with each writer at Ickworth House Suffolk, Harewood House Yorkshire, Brantwood House Cumbria, Dr Johnsons House London and A La Ronde Devon. In 2012 Lock is working for the first time in film.

Hayley Lock studied at Goldsmiths College of Art, London and Colchester Institute & Firstsight, she lives and works in Eye, UK. Previous exhibitions include (Now that would be) Telling, ACE Grants for the Arts Award Transition Gallery, London, 2012; (Now that would be) Telling, ACE Grants for the Arts Award Ickworth House, Suffolk (July), Brantwood House, Cumbria (August), Dr Johnsons House, London (October). A La Ronde, Devon (November) 2011; The Count of Monte Cristo, Treasure, Asylum, London, 2011; The Count of Monte Cristo, The Unknown, Folkestone Triennial, 2011; Pulp Fictions, Transition Gallery, London, 2011. … Read More