Sue Webster (b.1967, Leicester, UK) is an artist who lives and works in London.  She established her reputation working collaboratively with her then-partner of 25 years, Tim Noble. Together, as Tim Noble and Sue Webster, they rose to prominence in the late 1990’s, by pioneering a distinctive concept of ‘shadow sculpture’ that saw them assembling seemingly random objects into abstract sculptures that transform into representational self-portraits when lit by a single light source. The sculptural potency became all-the-more radical with the use of locally-sourced found materials varying from scrap metal, mummified creatures and broken furniture thrown onto the street from their local pub. To make something from nothing became an important part of their DIY signature approach, influenced in part by the British Punk vernacular.

 

In Parallel to their shadow works, Tim and Sue took light sculpture into different realms, creating a series of compositions that reference iconic symbols of pop culture, in the form of shopfront and fairground type signage as can be found in British seaside towns, Las Vegas or Times Square. With the aid of complex electrical sequencing, these signs perpetually flash and spiral out messages of everlasting love, as well as hate.

 

In 2015, Webster published The Folly Acres Cook Book, a semi-autobiographical book offering readers a rare glimpse into life as one half of the acclaimed artist-duo, which combined recipes from the Gloucestershire smallholding that she shared with Tim Noble, alongside drawings, photographs, thoughts, anecdotes and personal memories. 

 

Webster was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Art by Nottingham Trent University in 2009, in recognition of her contribution to contemporary British Art and influence on younger generations of artists.

 

Webster has curated various exhibitions, happenings and music events as well as guest editing several special editions of magazines. Currently she is working on her second visual biography soon to be published, entitled I Was a Teenage Banshee – My Life Through Siouxsie and the Banshees.