2022 - Issue 10
Showcasing artists and works that caught my attention.
Images 1-2 = Michael Kidner RA (1917-2009) made paintings that make you go cross-eyed. You might even do a triple take once you learn that many of these optical colour arrangements were hand painted decades before desktop computing made these kinds of images commonplace.
‘After Image’ at Flowers (@FlowersGallery) until 30 Apr
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Images 3-4 = To coincide with the Barbican’s 40th birthday, Bishopsgate Institute (@BishopsgateInstitute) — which collects lived experiences of everyday people — is showcasing early 80s artefacts from their LGBTQ+ archives. It’s a fascinating look at how far we’ve come, both as an understanding and accepting society, and in terms of graphic design.
‘Out and About!’ at the Barbican Curve Gallery (@BarbicanCentre) until 21 Mar
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Images 5-6 = Sumptuous, sensual shapes seduce? Fluidly feminine floral figures? These huge works by Flora Yukhnovich (@Flora_Yukhnovich) are inspired by Venus and remind me of childhood summers lying in the grass looking at clouds. Wait… I think I see a face?
‘Thirst Trap’ at Victoria Miro (@VictoriaMiroGallery) until 26 Mar
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Images 7-8 = Peter Mammes (@PeterMammes) combines symbols of power, imagery of submission and death in colourful wood-cut style paintings and mixed-media works that question and subvert governmental authority. That these look like Soviet-era relics may or may not be coincidental.
‘Ephemeron’ at Atom Gallery (@AtomGallery) until 26 Mar
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And finally, two group shows:
Image 9 = ‘Cordialis’ at Stour Galleries (@Stour.galleries) until 02 Apr by Promethean Art Collective (@Promethean_Art_Collective) covers a wide range of topics, mediums and styles.
Image 10 = ‘We are made of star stuff’ at Hoxton 253 (@hoxton253_artprojectspace) until 27 Mar is a cohesively curated show about our relationship with geology.
Alas, the works are a bit more miss than hit, but they both have some interesting items and they’re a 10 min walk apart, so why not go to both? If you end at Stour Galleries (@Stour.galleries) you can settle into their wonderful little cafe afterwards to discuss the work.
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PLUS — don’t forget to check What’s On so you don’t miss any of the great shows closing soon.