Isola Murray’s “Tired Clichés” graces the 25/8 artspace through Feb. 4. Whimsical and light-hearted, the mini-exhibition looks like something out of a children’s book, with curious creatures made of papier-mâché and cloth scraps.
Murray has named each of her creatures, creating an endearing personality for every one. Their names and descriptions are scrawled onto small cards and perched on the window sills. (Algernon is “a dandy, through and through” and Muriel “tells everyone’s business to anyone that will listen.”)
Rather than re-creating the usual vibe of a contemporary art exhibit, Murray has made the space feel cozy, like a home. Several characters have lushly patterned rugs underneath them; an image of a fireplace sits below a family portrait. A video plays on a TV screen draped with adorable red curtains, bringing Murray’s characters to life; with its grainy quality and quirky editing, it has the aesthetic of a retro public television program.
Despite the name, “Tired Clichés” is imaginative and original – a delight.
25/8 artspace, 2 Linden St., Harvard Square, Cambridge
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