Nora Shields | 'Thresholds' at The Pit

The Pit unveil’s Nora Shields’ third solo exhibition in the space. For Thresholds, the LA-based artist brings together stone and metals, subverting shapes into large abstractions which play with and operate as critiques of ornamentation within.

On the contrasting relation between the dense grey stones and vibrant bent metal, Shields says, “The ‘drape’ throughout art history has always fascinated me. Consider Bernini’s Ecstasy of St Theresa, where the pleats and folds of drapery on ancient stone bodies are erotic. I’m dreaming of the cold stone against my body. But stone is also what bodies in classical sculpture are made from, like the material choices in architectures that signify power.”

These works ornament the walls, while a series of marble benches and terrazzo pedestals converse and converge with the sculptures, creating a space of dialogue and performativity. In doing so, Shields renders the viewer of her work a performer themself.

The exhibition is on view until June 25, 2022.

Nora Shields, Black out corner, 2022, Plywood, automotive paint on aluminum, house paint, upholstery fringe and stainless steel, 85 x 85 x 20 in.

Nora Shields, Shield/Cyclomine, 2022, Automotive paint on aluminum, 52 x 28 x 2 in.

Nora Shields, Meditation Bench 3 , 2022, Ice marble, 16 x 66.25 x 16 in.