2024 - Issue 123
Showcasing artists and works that caught my attention last week.
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Eva Rothschild’s (@evarothschild) inverted tree branch sculpture at Lewis Cubitt Park frequently brings joy and laughter to both kids and adults that frolic in the grass amongst its multi-coloured poles. In the harsh white light of a gallery, however, Rothschild’s works have a different effect. Vibrant reds and soft pastel colours draw your attention, but their cold concrete and twisted steel forms keep you at bay. You’re forced to navigate around these works. Like an unsolvable mathematical theorem, they tease the viewer without giving away their secrets or letting you fully engage with them.
‘Eva Rothschild’ at Modern Art (@stuartshavemodernart) until 28 Sept
Is that fist in a pillow clenched in passion or pain? These mysterious paintings by Annabelle Agbo Godeau (@annabelle.agbo.godeau) never clearly reveal what’s happening, and the brooding bodies in dimly lit scenes skew my imagination towards seedy scenarios. But darkness leads to light, and the trompe-l'œil ‘Disguise Kit’ jolts me back to a youth when innocence and optimism were my only reference points. That work made me go back and re-assess the others, because some of these are rather quite fun. Especially the basement surprise.
‘What Have You Done With Her (Part 2)’ at Alice Amati (@_aliceamati) until 05 Oct
The Raku ceramics, covered in grit and scars, seem to defiantly hold their shape. Their forms prevail against the odds, much like the owner of the hands that crafted them. Dante Elsner (1920-1997) was a chance survivor of the Nazi invasion, hiding in a forest and living on snails and berries until the Soviets liberated Poland. He faced additional extreme challenges until he moved to London at the age of 38 and filled the remaining forty years of his life making art that he rarely showed or even saved. He destroyed over 80% of everything he made. This show provides a broad overview of what he deemed worthy of survival, the making of which supported his own. His story and work are testament to the power of art to soothe and heal.
‘Just to survive today’ at Alice Black (@aliceblackgallery) until 17 Oct
Honourable mention artworks
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I thought this stunning, swirling, mural-sized work (3m x 6m) by Alejandro Piñeiro Bello was pretty much the only thing worth a visit in his show. Barring one or maybe two canvasses, none of the others come anywhere close to appearing as well planned or executed as this one. But sometimes one great work is all you need. At Pace until 28 September.
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Gimmicky? Maybe. Gross? Unquestionably. But I still love these three giant roach canvasses, attached to the wall with tape that enhances their icky ‘hairy insect’ appearance. These works by Anna Hwang Colligan were displayed in ‘Slow Looking’ at Morley Gallery from 04-07 September.
PLUS…
Check the What’s On page so you don’t miss any other great shows closing soon.
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