Emmélie Lempert’s works move between textile art, sculpture and painting. Her practice is united by themes of bodily transformation, constructs of female identity and surreal mutations between humans and animal-like beings. The exhibition title stay, stray, stay refers to remaining in and straying from states, to a rhythmic process of change, of drifting away, returning and remaining open. This is where Lempert’s physical beings reside.

Behind the glass panes, her textile objects seem to float. They recall many-armed octopuses, historical costumes and alien-like female bodies. Without strong colours, contrasts or superficial outcries, the works seem to whisper, unfolding magically like a shadow play without shadows. Lempert’s language is made up of words like delicate, organic forms; her grammar is tone on tone, and seams, creases and folds open up the contexts of meaning.

She sews every garment herself. These are pieces usually felt directly against the skin, such as underwear,…