Navillus Woodworks is thrilled to have contributed to Torkwase Dyson’s stunning exhibition, “Of Line and Memory,” now on display at GRAY Chicago. Spanning three galleries, the show features a diverse range of works in scale and medium, and Navillus played a key role in fabricating the two large entrance sculptures titled “Aya.”
These remarkable pieces are perched on a 2,000-pound block of solid steel, resting directly on the gallery floor. Navillus worked in close collaboration with Dock 6 partner -ism furniture and sought expert consultation from Goodfriend Magruder CMD to achieve the intricate balance between cantilever and center slot. The sculptures feature a patinaed steel rim encasing a CNC-cut box frame, which is clad with plywood finished by the artist. True to the concept drawings provided, the sculptures embody both precariousness and reassurance, their minimalist design concealing the complexity of their inner structure.
This project marks Navillus’ fifth collaboration with Torkwase Dyson, working as fabricators, consultants, and project managers. It also represents our first collaboration with GRAY Chicago, making this partnership particularly special. We are incredibly proud of the team effort that brought this project to life. Special thanks to Remy, Regan, Caroline, Mark, Teagan, Ty, Cliff, and the team at -ism: Andrew, Joanna, and Michelle, for their dedication and craftsmanship.
“Of Line and Memory” is on view at GRAY Chicago through January, and we highly encourage everyone to experience this remarkable exhibition. Dyson’s work is a powerful exploration of form, space, and memory, and the entrance sculptures are a striking introduction to the show.