Patternity test

‘Patterns are something you come across every day. You wear them, you walk over them, you even eat drink and think them’, says Patternity. ‘But it’s unlikely they demand too much of your attention.’

Patternity 'Sunstripe' rug with Made By Node
Patternity ‘Sunstripe’ rug with Made By Node

Unless, that is, you happen across the Pattern Power show opening this week at the London Newcastle space in east London. On entering the room, your attention will be focused on very little else.

Patternity products
Patternity products

The exhibition has been conceived by creative agency Patternity, which specialises  – surprisingly – in pattern, working to create a research archive and also designing a series of homeware and fashion pieces, as well as working in graphic design.

The huge wall graphic, and a stripey installation piece
The huge wall graphic, and a stripey installation piece

You’re immediately hit by a huge monochrome wall graphic that travels along the long gallery wall, guiding the eye with an arresting swoop across the first two  rooms. It’s a brilliant introduction to the show, and underscores the Patternity principle of the power of the pattern.

Live monochrome weaving will take place for the duration of the show
Live monochrome weaving will take place for the duration of the show

Focussing on stripes, the exhibition draws together pieces from the Patternity Studio archive, as well as showing works from artists working in video, installation, fashion and photography, among other media, to explore stripes in their multifarious uses. Oh, and there’s a stuffed badger too.

‘At a time where we a re deluged by information and paralysed by choice, pattern can clarify complexity.’ says Patternity says.

‘At the heart of this exhibition lie several fundamental questions – can the way we look at the smaller details enhance our understanding of the bigger picture? If we visualise the unseen, can it drive innovation? Does being more mindful make us happier and healthier?’

One of the films shown in the space
One of the films shown in the space

Through an ambitious series of talks and events, the show hopes to explore these multifarious quandaries with a huge range of experts from fields including design, technology, food art, sound, health, fashion and art on hand to dig for answers.

Patternity Studio Sunstripe Powerprint
Patternity Studio Sunstripe Powerprint

The events include Hands on Patterns (Rainbows, Pants and Patterns) pattern-making with designer Fred Butler and Patternity Studios, Stripy Jelly Making with Bompas & Parr, Superstripe Short Films curates by consultancy Creature of London and Pattern in Practice – The Evolution of Music , which will see Guerrilla Science’s Zoe Cormier discuss how patterns in sound affect the brain.

The labyrinth floor, where events and talks will be held
The labyrinth floor, where events and talks will be held

Consultancy BAF Graphics worked with Patternity to produce and install the wall and floor graphics for the show, and is also sponsoring the event.

Pattern Power runs from 6 – 21 April at London Newcastle Project Space, 28 Redchurch Street, London E2

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