April Key: Ocean Drive

Crossing the boundaries between art and design, Istanbul-based British artist April Key crafts vibrant and unique light objects that bring timeless energy.  Her creations aim to invoke a special sensation to the observer resulting in a lasting impression. This viewing room presents key pieces from the artist's celebrated Ocean Drive Collection - a limited series of neon sculptures, alongside most recent work from the studio.  These works highlight Key's interest in building new forms and environments through exploring classical design and reimagining traditional techniques. Key's background and training in architecture (B.A., Edinburgh College of Art) provides firm foundation and inspiration for her interdisciplinary practice.  

"I try to present a feeling of joy and curiosity with my work, to create an escapism from the modern world and to spark imagination in the viewer.  I like the idea that when someone looks at my objects, they can almost envision a tiny version of themselves walking in and around the sculpture, and having enjoyment in that environment."

 

-- April Key

The Ocean Drive Collection, which draws upon bold colors and architecture associated with the Art Deco era, is a limited series of neon sculptures. The project was born when April Key discovered a large series of lost 1950s Kodachrome negatives at a flea market in Istanbul. The film revealed a stunning narrative of a Turkish couple who moved to Miami in the early 1950s, bought a Cadillac and took it cruising through the USA. The architectural emphasis and energy of this lost archive was used as the key inspiration, taking its features and embedding them into each light piece to create a modern-retro futuristic city-scape.