Jessica Rankin's Skyfolds drawings are staggeringly compelling

The nature of my job here means I spend a lot of time exploring work online, perusing projects that have been sent in or jumping from blogroll to blogroll in the quest to discover something that floats my creative boat. But sometimes the laws of concentration (and optometry) require me to get away from the computer for a few minutes and it was an impulsive visit to the White Cube Hoxton Square gallery just round the corner from It’s Nice That HQ that brought me face-to-face with Jessica Rankin’s extraordinary work.

The Sydney-born, New York-based artist is currently exhibiting Skyfolds 1941-2010 which focusses on a series of impressive embroidered pieces, but it was her drawings that captivated me – huge, intricate and powerful. Like the night sky that inspired them they balance infinitesimal detail and almost incomprehensible overall effect, with interesting titles hinting at an intense personal connection to the artist. Combining graphite and watercolour, there’s endless pleasure to be had losing yourself in the byzantine composition and the paradoxical stillness achieved over and above the crowded hustle and bustle of the works. Beautiful.

Skyfolds 1941-2010 runs until July 7.