‘Boundaries of public and private space’

“Adrift,’’ by Kate Ruddle in her show “Hortus Conclusus,’’ at The Front Gallery, Montpelier, Vt., through May 31.

She says:

“My sculptural installations consist of sewn and manipulated fabric (apparel, home decor, equestrian, camping, nautical) as well as photographic images and video. I use fabric, video and architectural elements to create objects and environments that explore how fabric can protect or control and reveal and define social position. My art references architecture, clothing and customs to investigate boundaries of personal and public space. I like to play with trappings that serve to wrap people into a social structure.

“The history of garments, social habitats, and power structures fascinate me. Worn items can be used to protect or expose the body and reveal and define social position. Throughout history there are examples of people’s erasure as they don’t fit into society’s structure. As society becomes more advanced does individualism become more or less threatening? How do we define ourselves in relationship to a social history that encompasses and precedes us? Can we tailor society to meet our needs? My installations grapple with these questions.’’

The Pavilion, a gorgeous government office building and state history museum, on State Street in Montpelier.

— Photo by Farragutful