2024 - Issue 122
Showcasing artists and works that caught my attention last week.
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I think the gallery should tell everybody that Jacob Dahlgren (@jacob_dahlgren) shipped his soup can sculpture as a single giant piece that had to be corkscrewed through the door in a convoluted process similar to the “Pivot!” couch scene from Friends. It’s not true, but fits perfectly with the silly-serious nature of his work, which includes abstract stripey sculptures made from plastic hangers, and thirteen years of standing in the same pose for a daily photo, now sequenced into a 5 minute video loop. This show is a great reminder of the hidden charms to be found in the everyday.
‘When Anxieties Become Form’ at Workplace (@_workplace_) until 28 Sept
South Parade isn’t afraid to show experimental artwork. Very few of their shows have included anything even remotely close to what you would consider traditional, which is probably why I keep going back even when I walk away feeling mixed. With paintings on polypropylene (e.g. IKEA bags) and polyester, a rug that looks like an Inuit dog coat, carved birch plywood canvas and a ceramic sculpture that looks like a rusted tea strainer, this end-of-summer selection is a terrific showcase for the ambitious artists and type of work this gallery champions.
‘A separate place between the thought and felt’ at South Parade (@southparade_) until 28 Sept
These figurative scenes by Liorah Tchiprout (@Tchiprout) are based on small dolls that she makes, stages and paints. Her latest series, filled with whispering huddles and sideways glances, gives me uneasy Child’s Play vibes that made me re-assess my intention to request a studio visit to see the dolls in real life. Mysteriously descriptive titles such as “It’s cold at the bottom of the river, little one” further enhance the intrigue and my fascination with these intimate yet inanimate models. Although I’m sure they’re less scary in person, he says hopefully…
‘I love the flames, but not the embers’ at Pippy Houldsworth (@pippyhouldsworthgallery) until 28 Sept
Didn’t get Oasis tickets? Here’s another classic star staging a comeback with a show that includes a few new tracks mixed in amongst the classics. Thérèse Oulton was nominated for the Turner prize in 1989 but for a variety of reasons was then “forgotten” by the art world. That’s the gallery’s phrasing, not mine, and their selection of works from the 80s, 90s and 00s made me wonder why, since they all look like hits to me. Then again, I’m a big fan of abstract.
‘Thérèse Oulton’ at Vardaxoglou (@vardaxoglou) until 04 Oct
Artbox London (@artboxlondon) is a registered charity that aims to alter the perception of people with autism or learning disabilities through the art they create. They facilitate workshops, gallery and museum visits, classes and exhibitions. Thanks to generous support from Islington Giving and The Arts Council they now have a pop-up where you can browse and buy original artwork along with cards, prints and other household items made by the artists they work with. It’s a great way to pick up some affordable art and support a great cause.
Artbox London @ Whitecross Street until November-ish
Venue: 167 Whitecross Street, EC1Y 8JT
Open Wed-Fri from 12-6pm
Other times/viewings by appointment.
The latest “welcome” installation for the London Mithraeum, created by Goshka Macuga (@gonogo.space), will make a lot of people question why they’ve suddenly found themselves inside an indoor cave. I got distracted because those drippy stalagmites looked like giant mounds of melting ice cream, whereas my girlfriend said it looked like the inside of her nostrils. Childish? Absolutely. But playing “What do you see?” was a lot more fun than confronting the reminders of historical London destruction you’ll find in three stark paintings on loan from Imperial War Museums.
‘Born from Stone’ at Bloomberg Space until 18 Jan 2025
Honourable mention artworks
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Half a dozen of these subtle, cyanotype teabags (and a sock!) by Meadow Marks (@meadow.florence) caught my eyes at new-ish venue Gallery 121, a free exhibition space located in the garden of one of my favourite shops: After Noah in Islington. Until 08 September.
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Stardust is a billboard filled with inspirational, thought-provoking and sometimes just plain silly quotes that had previously been placed all over London by viral mental health artist Stephanie Seege — aka The Sticky Fairy (@thestickyfairy). It was only supposed to be up until last December but it’s still going strong. I’m glad someone in charge realised that kindness doesn’t cost much, as randomly reading one of these phrases could be the unexpected reason someone’s day ends better than it started.
Located in the main concourse of London Bridge Station, just to the left of the Train Information booth, directly across from Body Shop.
PLUS…
Check the What’s On page so you don’t miss any other great shows closing soon.
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