2022 - Issue 43
Showcasing artists and works that caught my attention.
England’s World Cup ‘22 campaign kicks off today, and the last thing fans need is to be reminded of Euros ‘20. That hasn’t stopped Beatrice Lettice Boyle (@beatriceletticeboyle) from immortalising the anguish in oil on canvas. Whether or not you know the faces, her close cropped sports portraits bring an added accent to the heightened emotions you see in athletes. They’re nicely contrasted by the barely-there, ghostly self-portraits from Hannah Tilson (@hannahtilson64). You’ll have to study hard with some of works to even see a figure, much less a face.
‘A Flash of Blue’ at Cedric Bardawil (@cedricbardawil) until 26 Nov
Studio West celebrates its first full year with an open show of student & recent grad work. With over 40 works by 28 artists it’s one that collectors won’t want to miss, because Caroline (@carolineboseley) has proven herself to have a sharp eye for London’s current emerging art scene. Then again I might be biased, as quite a few of the names she’s selected have appeared in my previous roundups and I’m happy to once again highlight Kashin Patel (@kashin.art) and Thomas Cameron (@thomascameronart). And I’m also happy to introduce you to Hyesu Kim (@hyesu_km), Beverley Duckworth (@bev.duckworth) and Vivien Delta (@vivien.delta) whose work “Field in September I” is the cover of this issue of the Roundup.
‘Now Introducing’ at Studio West (@studio_west_gallery) until 10 Dec
I frequently find that the best works in a gallery are often hidden away inside the office. They’re often not part of the show, except in this case they are. Which is not to take away from the giant double portraits that Eugene Palmer (@eugenepalmerart) paints. They’re bold and intense, but they left me cold. Maybe it’s the rigid postures and too-stern faces staring straight back at me? I much preferred the implied tension and jovial emotion in ‘Tony’, who sits with his back to an unnamed other. That’s the work that captivated me. Who is Tony, and who is she? Why aren’t they engaging with each other? Does she even know she’s part of the painting? And why is this one hidden away in the back room? (Yes, you can go in!)
I also wanted to join the ‘Late Evening’ party, but I got distracted by the fact that the double wide canvas had been hung as if it was two separate works. My OCD… it hurts!
‘Standing Still’ at Ed Cross (@edcrossfineart) until 16 Dec
Hooded figures roll snowballs while fuzzy green bunnies scamper under an eerie green glow. I’ve absolutely no idea WTF is going on in ‘Moon Ritual’, the ginormous 200x270 metre work by Minyoung Choi (@minyoung._.choi) but I absolutely love it and couldn’t stop staring. In case that isn’t sufficient weirdness, there’s also an army of starfish, frogs on a face and enough blue cats (not pictured) to make Lisa Brice jealous AF. Netflix… please turn these works into a show!
‘Always There’ at Lychee One (@lycheeone) until 17 Dec
Find someone who understands art, or better yet someone who doesn’t, and take them to this exhibit. Just don’t show them this post in advance. Duchamp and Warhol showed us long ago that anything can be art, but that doesn’t take away the fun of the debate when you come across works like a broom stuck in bone (Michael E. Smith), illuminated car taillights (Yngve Holen — @yngveholen) and an iPad sized hole in the wall that is essentially just that, except with a fan blowing at you from inside (Pope.L). Painting may be having a moment, but this group shows conceptual art ain’t dead yet.
‘Ghostscript’ at Modern Art (@stuartshavemodernart) until 17 Dec
PLUS — don’t forget to check my What’s On page so you don’t miss any of the other great art shows closing soon.