2023 - Issue 57
Showcasing artists and works that caught my attention.
I was instantly fascinated by the six large giclée prints — half curiously framed behind burnt walnut shutters, the rest annotated with Post-Its. These striking images are from Everything But The World (@everythingbuttheworld), a 35-minute pilot for a docu-sci-fi series by a NYC-based collaborative called DIS (@DIS). It contains beautiful widescreen landscapes, annoyingly in-your-face co-hosts, informative exposition and creative cinematography that repeatedly breaks the fourth wall. It’s an enjoyable watch, sometimes funny but occasionally let down by a prevalence of it’s distinctly American “look how clever we are” confidence. Here’s a one minute trailer, but if you can find the whole show I think it’s worth your time. I’m eagerly awaiting more.
‘Big Beat Disaster’ at Project Native Informant (@ProjectNativeInformant) until 01 Apr
I specifically set out to see this show because of the title. What I discovered was the kind of work that doesn’t appeal to me aesthetically but does make me want to lean in and learn. The civic, banal title references the artist’s first hand experience of the introduction of public utilities to his Sudan village, and the inevitable utility bills that followed. It’s clear from his huge canvasses that Salah Elmur (@SalahElmur) holds a personal reverence for the modern marvels of running water and electricity. They remind me of the large scale murals often seen in rural American post offices to honour the New Deal, except these have a lot more nudity.
‘Central Electricity and Water Administration’ at Vigo Gallery (@VigoGallery) until 08 Apr
Yage Guo (@yagefg) paints dark and mysterious imagery that wouldn’t look out of place in a Paul Schrader film, whereas the burnt birch works from Cole Lu (@colelu) reminded me of happy childhood Saturdays searching through Highlights Magazine “Hidden Picture” puzzles. I got so distracted by these wonderful new finds that I forgot to snap some pictures of the only reason I went to the gallery in the first place: Poppy Jones (@poppymjones). This show has 3 of her works, and you can read more about her art in my next review. Just scroll down!
‘A Gauzy Flame’ at Herald St (@herald_st) until 15 Apr
I don’t really like still life art, but I spent a lot of time criss-crossing London last week specifically to see works by Poppy Jones (@poppymjones), who makes still life art. These contemporary works have an antiquey, faded photo effect thanks to a seamless blend of lithography and watercolour. I can’t tell where one technique ends and another begins, and neither can you. But what’ll really suck you in are the subtle textures and surprising warmth that comes from the silk and suede on which they are made. It’s one of the many fine details you can only appreciate in person, and good luck trying to hold back your hand from reaching out and wanting to caress these canvasses.
‘Poppy Jones’ at The Artist Room (@theartistroomgallery) until 22 Apr
Bob Baxter (@bobbaxters) has a very distinct style. His figures look like wooden drawing manikins that’ve been used to scrape the paint off the canvasses on which they’re depicted. In four large works it’s not entirely clear if you’re looking at one man moving or a group playing Twister. Whereas the solo shots down in the basement look like a pack of apocalyptic trading cards. These broad shouldered figures — I assume they’re all male? — often appear to be in superhero landing pose, although one looks distinctly like Wolverine giving the finger while being papped in yoga class.
‘A Moment in Time’ at UNION Gallery (@union.gallery) until 22 Apr
The “hidden” elements in the patterns might be easier to see in photos, but ya gotta go in person to truly appreciate the detailed beading woven into these works by Charlotte Edey (@edey_). That’s assuming you don’t get distracted wondering how those mirror-backed Georgian sash windows mysteriously float against the walls. If you haven’t yet been to this former sandwich shop turned into amenity-free art space, then this is the show to see: a one-to-watch artist in a one-to-watch gallery. You’ll be glad you went.
‘Framework’ at Ginny on Frederick (@GinnyonFrederick) until 22 Apr
NB: check their Insta first to confirm opening days/times, or e-mail to arrange an appointment.
PLUS — don’t forget to check the What’s On page so you don’t miss any other great shows closing soon.