2024 - Issue 133
Showcasing artists and works that caught my attention last week. Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter to find out what didn’t make the cut.
Every room reset my expectations, starting with the autumn leaves blowing through the door. They paired perfectly with the giant oil and rubble ‘Demolishing’ canvasses but it was the smaller works, hung a bit too high, that really drew my attention. The ‘Surveillance’ paintings are hung at the same height as the cameras that provided the live feed from which Celia Hempton (@hempton) sourced the imagery. The askew angles are eye catching, but proper double-takes only happen once you encounter gruesome surgical scenes, although it took me a while to realise what was depicted courtesy of their Auerbach-esque style.
‘Transplant’ at Phillida Reid (@phillidareid_grapestreet) until 30 Nov
Even after reading the gallery text I’m not entirely clear what Italian Norberto Spina (@norbertospina) is saying about fascism, but when art looks this good and is so meticulously made it’s a bit too easy to look past politics. His multi-layered crosshatching, topped off with lovely little impasto bits like sprinkles on a cupcake, adds visual intrigue to whatever he’s depicting. This includes a handful of works based on found/phone footage that are displayed in the gallery’s not-so-secret back/expansion room. Which, if you’ve never been, is a jaw-dropping treat.
‘Presente’ at Cooke Latham (@cookelathamgallery) until 13 Dec
Fashion and furniture design might not be the first things that come to mind when you think about prison, but they’re just two of many creative engagements that groups like the Design Against Crime Research Lab (DACRL) help introduce to prisoners as a pragmatic source of both skills-building and rehabilitation. Benefits include development of communication skills, problem solving, critical thinking, relationship building, resilience and well-being, and many of those involved reported increased feelings of ownership, creativity, confidence, determination and hope. This showcase of eight projects is a compelling case study on the benefits of productivity over punishment as a way to enhance positive rehab.
‘Making Time – Every Prison a Creative Hub’ at Hoxtonian Gallery (3rd Floor, 76 Hoxton Street London N1 6LP).
The exhibition is only open to the public 28 and 29 November as well as 5, 6, 11, and 13 December.
If you find yourself stuck in central London, elbowing your way through Christmas shoppers and lollygagging tourists, you’re going to need a break. Weather permitting, why not find some respite in The Phoenix Garden, where Valentino Vannini (@valentino.vannini.art) has carefully nestled four large resin installations amongst the trees and pathways of one of the city’s true hidden gems. Inconspicuously situated between Seven Dials and Tottenham Court Road’s giant Outernet screens, walking into this tranquil ‘haven for wildlife & people’ will make you think you’ve been beamed into the wooded hills of Hertfordshire.
‘Valentino Vannini & The Phoenix Garden’ at The Phoenix Garden (@thephoenixgarden) until 31 Dec
The annual Small is Beautiful show is always a delight. The 42nd edition is a great opportunity to see how a wide range of 100+ artists have responded to the imposed size limitation of no more than 7 x 9 inches. Prices widely vary (most are £450 - £2,000) but are incredibly reasonable given the esteemed names that have contributed.
Downstairs, Intermittently Ochre is a solo show of recent works by Glen Baxter (@glenbaxterartist) and if you walk out without giggling at least once then I can only surmise the Grinch has already stolen your Christmas.
Both shows at Flowers (@flowersgallery) until 04 Jan 2025
PLUS…
Check the What’s On page so you don’t miss any other great shows closing soon.
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