2023 - Issue 64
Showcasing artists and works that caught my attention.
Despite the relatively simple compositions, these three works by Daniel Sinsel are the kind that some people might think try to cram too many concepts onto the canvas. And by some people I mean me. That being said, each piece has something that I love: The shards of broken glass; The use of fingerprints; The canvas that looks like it’s been stretched over a mosaic terrace bursting apart from an overgrown tree root trying to escape. Even though the overall works don’t really work for me, I’m aware that none of the individual elements would be so strong as an isolated piece. Take what you like and leave the rest, as some folk say.
‘Daniel Sinsel’ at Ginny on Frederick (@GinnyonFrederick) until 27 May
NB: check their Insta first to confirm opening days/times, or e-mail to arrange an appointment.
The Tetris-stacked Mies van der Rohe chairs, bathed in sombre hues of purple and green, give off future dystopian office-space vibes. ‘Brazil’ and ‘Severance’ spring to mind, especially with the way you never see anyone’s face, except for one lone eyes-closed reflection. Maybe that’s why I was so drawn in. Who are these people? Are they even human? What’s going on and when is their tea break? If artist Richard Burton (@_ RichardBurton) has a day job that’s inspired these works then I hope to God his employer has a health plan.
‘39’ at PM/AM (@pm______am) until 05 Jun
There’s something fascinating, to me anyway, about using delicate ceramic to make items that visually imply unbreakable strength. Katia Kesic (@Katia_Kesic) incorporates medieval armour motifs to present shells and mirrors and other fragile items. Plus a full sized helmet that looks like something the ‘Shape of Water’ sea-man might wear to a Daft Punk concert. They’re accompanied by four Alexis Teplin (@Alexis_Teplin) abstracts which didn’t really appeal to me, but they look fab as blurred-out backdrops for my photos.
‘Day and Knight’ at Daniel Benjamin Gallery (@DanielBenjamin_Gallery) until 08 June
Pictorum Gallery is fast becoming one of my go-to art hop stops. It opened at the end of 2022 and has a focus on supporting women and POC artists in a feminist context. Which means that as an old white guy I usually see things there that challenge my world-view. The current group show contains painting, performance, soft sculpture and drawing all around the theme of gluttony. I couldn’t get enough!
Featuring:
Anna Choutova — @annachoutova1
Damaris Athene — @damaris.athene
Faye Eleanor Woods — @faye_eleanor_woods
Nettle Grellier — @nettlegrellierartist
Quinqing Liu — @weeeekdu
Rosie Gibbons — @rosiegibbens
Zoe Francis Spowage — @zoefrancisspowage
‘Bodies, Gluttony and Me’ at Pictorum Gallery (@PictorumGallery) until 29 Jun
PLUS — don’t forget to check the What’s On page so you don’t miss any other great shows closing soon.