Cockburn evokes a sense of both the nae and the spontaneous
Julie Cockburn is an artist based in London. Her work is best defined by its delicate craftsmanship and by the transformation of every day and found objects into works of art. Through the manipulation of found items and images; such as ceramic sculptures, paintings, photographs, printed paper and books, Cockburn evokes a sense of both the nae and the spontaneous.
Through the combination of second-hand objects and creative labour, Cockburn contradicts the generic and mass-produced with something crafted, imbuing her intellectually and physically worn objects with value. Techniques such as the childlike embroidered patterns that feature on found photographs and printed images, draw the viewer in to a sculpted journey of labour and creation. Cockburn’s work challenges the means by which things are seen and visually digested, shown by the playful visual exploration of the materials she employs.
Julie introduces ideas to found objects that generate dialogue about modernity and art history, gender and identity, nature and urbanity and the relationship between process and idea. However, it is an instinctive reaction to the found objects that dictates the piece, rather than an underlying intellectual or political viewpoint. Cockburn’s pieces are elaborate, intriguing and beautifully executed, with an autonomy that makes one want to believe their existence. Her work is in both public and private collections worldwide.
The artist has exhibited at The New Art Gallery Walsall, The Photographers’ Gallery, London, Arnhem Museum of Modern Art, The Netherlands, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, ICA, London, Wellcome Collection, London, Jerwood Space, London and the Yale Centre for British Art, USA.
Julie Cockburn
The Conundrum, 2016
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Quizitive, 2016
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Freethinker, 2017
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Pipe Dreamer, 2016
Hand Embroidery on Found Photograph
Julie Cockburn
Mr Optimistic, 2014
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
The Orthodontist, 2014
Hand embroidery and watercolour on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Troublemaker, 2015
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Veneer, 2015
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Befuddle, 2017
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Honeymoon Period 7, 2015
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
The Conundrum, 2016
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Quizitive, 2016
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Freethinker, 2017
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Pipe Dreamer, 2016
Hand Embroidery on Found Photograph
Julie Cockburn
Mr Optimistic, 2014
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
The Orthodontist, 2014
Hand embroidery and watercolour on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Troublemaker, 2015
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Veneer, 2015
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Befuddle, 2017
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Honeymoon Period 7, 2015
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Honeymoon Period 3, 2014
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Whisper, 2014
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Talking Heads, 2017
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Close Knit, 2014
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Squabble, 2018
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
The Jester, 2017
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
The Telepath, 2014
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Mind, Body and Soul, 2018
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
The Bear, 2014
Altered found photograph
Julie Cockburn
In Memoriam, 2016
Collaged found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Mindfulness 1, 2017
Altered found photograph
Julie Cockburn
The Anger Manager, 2017
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Lady Jane, 2014
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Double Dealer, 2018
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Splash 2, 2017
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Parade, 2017
Hand embroidery on found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Blossom In A Graveyard, 2009
Mixed media
Julie Cockburn
Dubiety, 2012
Altered found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Teenage Angst, 2013
Altered found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Green and Blue, 2012
Altered found oil painting
Julie Cockburn
Green Dress, 2012
Altered found photograph
Julie Cockburn
Hero 3, 2011
Altered found photograph
Julie Cockburn
White Dress, 2012
Altered found photograph
Julie Cockburn
The Guardian, 2015
Found photograph, found plastic game parts
Julie Cockburn
Disguise, 2013
Found photograph, found plastic game parts
Julie Cockburn
Incognito, 2009
Found photograph, found plastic game parts