Gem Douglas's work focuses on the issues surrounding displaced and marginalised people, the causes of this displacement and the responses of those witnessing the movement. She aims to draw parallels between these seemingly disparate groups of people in order to highlight the common threads of humanity that link us together. Comparing our similarities and drawing attention to the political conditions that destabilise societies and undermine our compassion.

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Taking inspiration from the realities of makeshift constructions built out of necessity, where functionality is their guiding principle. She attempts to acknowledge the innate visual language captured by those trying to make a settlement a ‘home’ by incorporating a decorative aesthetic into the work. The vivid colours in the work seem to be a natural consequence of the ubiquitous mass produced textiles used, revealing the dominating desire of humans to adorn their environments.

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The selection and use of found materials is crucial to the themes in her work, referring to the limiting social and economic factors facing certain people in society. The process of creating these sculptures is also integral to these ideas. Whether it is the repetitive and laborious weaving of strands of clothes or the frustrated struggle with unyielding ropes and poles. The process simulates the physical and emotional endeavours of those trying to obtain stability for themselves and their families.

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The works appear to be provisional; intended to last until an alternative can be found or until the physical tensions in the improvised structures fail. The temporary forms signify both human frailty and the volatile nature of our own circumstance.

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