This week sees the UCL Slade School of Fine Art returning to Heal's Tottenham Court Road flagship store for Artists in Residence 2011, with 11 young artists taking part in the inspirational interactive design project between now and Sunday 6 February.
Nadine Mahoney uses the store window as a printing plate before transferring the images onto paper. Pic: Heal's
Students from the prestigious London art school will take up residence in the windows of the famous furniture store to create original and limited edition artworks and installations, some of which will then be available to buy. The talented crop of artists will also be encouraging customers to participate in the creation of their very own original works of art.
Among the diverse projects on show is Alex Springer'sconversion of six different kitchen products, including a Brabantia bin, into working cameras that customers can then use to take a photograph of themselves or of products from around the store, which Alex will then develop on-site for customers to keep. This somewhat unusual-sounding activity could end up being a more than worthwhile use of your time should Alex end up being the next Damien Hirst.
Alex Springer sets about turning household objects into working cameras. Pic: Heal's
For all you knitting enthusiasts out there, student Cansu Aladag will be creating a large-scale hand-knitted structure using walking sticks as knitting needles and this weekend will also be hosting small workshops to teach customers how to knit, so that they can help her complete the unique installation.
And for shoe-lovers (surely everyone?), Yujin Chang will be producing 12 sculpted pairs of 'Heels at Heal's' inspired by Heal's products.
To see all of the Artists in Residence, visit Heal's at 196 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7LQ until Sunday 6 February. For more information, tel: 0207 636 1666.