The coloured sliding windows of a modernist dollhouse offer a view into its interior. Past a red beam, the view opens onto a spacious foyer, bathed in purple light, where artworks are displayed.

Kaleidoscope House #7

Laurie Simmons

  • Year 2000
  • Edition 5/5 (+ 2 a.p.)
  • Material/Technique Kodak digital flex print
  • Dimensions 41 x 60 cm
  • Category Photography

In 2000, Laurie Simmons was commissioned to design a dollhouse for commercial production by Bozart Toys. Working with the architect Peter Wheelwright, the commission resulted in Kaleidoscope House, a modernist building with sliding doors in bright colors that partition the space on the floors and define the lighting in the rooms. Contemporary artisans designed the miniature furniture inside, and pictures by contemporary artists decorate the walls. Simmons also staged an eponymous photo series inside the building. 
In the series, Kaleidoscope House #13, for example, shows a child’s bedroom with a couch, a loft bed and wallpaper featuring sailboats. A miniature image of Cindy Sherman’s Untitled Film Stills #54 is mounted on one wall, a nod towards the artist and friend who also works with photos, set-ups and role-playing. Sherman was staging herself in her early work in non-existent film roles while Simmons was experimenting with dollhouse dolls.