2022 - Issue 22
Showcasing artists and works that caught my attention.
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Group Shows
Down in Bermondsey there’s an eclectic showcase of contemporary British painters that span the spectrums of style and skill. Most works are between £500 - £1,500 so it’s an ideal show for burgeoning collectors. Get there quick as it’s not on for long.
‘British Painting 3’ at Bermondsey Project Space (@bprojectspace) until 18 Jun
Image 1 = L: Emily Hana (@emily.hana) — R: Amanda Ansell (@aansellstudio)
Image 2 = Becca Ellis (@beccaellisart)
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Meanwhile in Mayfair, Stephen Friedman has temporarily expanded into a 3rd space to accommodate a large group show of female artists working in figuration and collage. Many works bring attention to often marginalised or underrepresented figures, often by subverting stereotypical imagery. It’s co-curated by Deborah Roberts, who continues that approach in her solo show about Black image and identity.
‘From Near and Far’ and ‘I Have Something to Tell You’ both at Stephen Friedman Gallery (@stephenfriedmangallery) until 23 Jul
Image 3 = Genevieve Gaignard (@creativecurvyginger)
Image 4 = Deborah Roberts (@rdeborah191)
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Art or Craft?
Choi Soowhan makes exquisite light boxes by drilling various sized holes in laminate using photographs as templates. The effect is somewhat like a Lite-Brite with all the pegs taken out (Images 5-6)
Kathleen Ryan (@katieryankatieryan) makes supersized rotting fruit by carefully piecing together thousands of small crystals and other items (e.g. rose quartz, labradorite, mother of pearl, scallop shells, etc) like some kind of crazy advanced Lego (Images 7-8).
They’re both unique. They’re handmade. And they’re in major galleries. They’re unmistakably art, right? Plus I wouldn’t be writing about them if I didn’t think they were worth your time. So why am I so distracted by the nagging thought that maybe, just maybe, they’re nothing more than meticulous representations of an object (e.g. craft).
If you haven’t read the press releases, you’d be forgiven for thinking these are just landscapes and still lifes. Had they been oil paintings and bronze sculptures I’d probably never have gone to see them in the first place. Go check them both out — they’re a short walk apart — and let me know what you think.
‘A Positive Absence’ at Pontone Gallery (@PontoneGallery) until 17 Jul
‘Red Rose’ at Josh Lilly (@joshlilleylondon) until 05 Aug
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Nicola L. (1932 - 2018)
Images 9-10 = From protest banners and wearable “Pénétrables” to anthropomorphic and pop-art inspired furniture, the fact that everything in this show is from the same artist I’d never heard of has greatly piqued my curiosity. Showing work from the 60s, 70s and 90s that still feels fresh, it’s a great taster exhibit in advance of a larger retrospective coming to the Camden Art Centre in 2024.
‘Nicola L.’ at Alison Jacques (@alisonjacquesgallery) until 23 July
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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.