Alison Forde’s narrative paintings on old and disused objects are inspired by fantasy and daydream. Through her work, she transforms previously unwanted objects into vessels for escapism. Despite their playful nature, the paintings often refer to states of anxiety or impending peril, with her ‘story-book’ style drawing on both subcultural and high art imagery to create unusual twists and misleading realities.
One of the strengths of the Bury Art Museum collection is 19th-century narrative painting. The acquisition of let’s dance (2010) will help to develop and invigorate this area of the collection and make it more accessible to younger visitors.