Sister Octopi is an immersive installation opening on International Women\u2019s day at the Omnibus Theatre, in London. \u00a0The installation on view March 7th \u2013 29th, <\/strong>is the result of a long-distance collaboration\u00a0between two artists and cousins: Dubai-based Natalya Konforti and London resident\u00a0Justine Formentelli.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n This long haul project began in 2017, following the suicides of a brother and cousin in\u00a0 close succession. Devastated and searching for a way through grief, the cousins began an\u00a0 artistic correspondence which eventually grew into the rich threads of an unusual family tapestry.\u00a0<\/p>\n Two artists united by art and family<\/strong><\/p>\n Natalya Konforti<\/strong> is a French-American designer, artist and cultural facilitator with a degree\u00a0in Fashion Design. A decade in the garment industry cultivated her response to colour\u00a0palettes, a fascination with patterns as well as a deep appreciation for textile\u00a0 craftsmanship. Her process-driven, introspective practice is grounded in what we leave\u00a0behind; channeling themes of memory, community and sustainability. Through a variety of\u00a0 mixed mediums including photography, paint and textile, her work pays homage to a\u00a0 meaningful technique, material or location.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Justine Formentelli<\/strong> is a French painter who spent her childhood living on the island of\u00a0Reunion, the Caribbean and Morocco. She received an MA from City and Guilds of\u00a0 London Art School and has participated in numerous exhibitions in the United States,\u00a0 Europe and Dubai. Her bold gestures and layered elements form abstract compositions\u00a0that possess vivid energy. Dancing between the world of painting and calligraphy, her\u00a0 paintbrush balances the intersection between intention and chance. Her work has been\u00a0 selected for the ING Prize 2022, Works on paper II at Blue Shop Cottage 2020 and is now\u00a0 included in Soho House art collection.<\/p>\n \u00a0Sister Octopi<\/strong>, an artistic collaboration with deep meaning<\/strong><\/p>\n The work explores themes of identity, belonging and adaptation, paying tribute to the\u00a0 strength and resilience of sisterhood in the face of loss and tragedy. Separated by several\u00a0 oceans and time zones, the two artists responded to each other\u2019s work and emotions,\u00a0panel after panel. The process brought solace, deepened their connection and contributed to strengthening other family ties. Inspired by the natural world, their experience of\u00a0 expatriation and family heritage; this suspended universe is an invitation to wander along\u00a0tentacular detours, immersed in a world of connections.<\/p>\n A traveling exhibition featured at multiple locations in Dubai including DIFC Art Nights and\u00a0World Art Dubai, the upcoming show marks the first appearance of Sister Octopi in the UK.\u00a0Taking cues from its eponymous octopus, the versatile work transforms and adapts to\u00a0inhabit new environments, making each installation a unique experience.\u00a0 <\/p>\n Justine and Natalya will also host a collaborative workshop on Saturday, March 11th from\u00a0 11 to 1pm at the Omnibus Theater, Clapham Common Northside London SW4 0QW<\/strong><\/p>\n Omnibus Theatre is a multi-award-winning independent theatre in Clapham, South\u00a0 London. The heart of their ambitious programme, inspired by our building\u2019s literary\u00a0 heritage, lies in both classics re-imagined and contemporary storytelling. They provide a\u00a0 platform for new writing and interdisciplinary work, aiming to give voice to the\u00a0 underrepresented and challenge perceptions.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Coinciding with the opening of Sister Octopi on the 7th of March, is the opening of SHE\u00a0 presented by Theater Accord, an enthralling new play, inspired by The Seven Ages of Man\u00a0 speech in Shakespeare\u2019s As You Like It<\/em>. Charting the experiences of different women from\u00a0 childhood to old age, these stories, each with an intriguing twist, are visceral, poignant,\u00a0 and laced with humour.<\/p>\n Website: https:\/\/www.glitchesandstitches.com\/sister-octopi\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n IG: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sisteroctopi<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/thecuriousfrenchy.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/sister-_octopi-_nov.-2021-_nat-justine.jpg?w=1024\")
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