This exhibition aims to show Chila Kumari Burman’s work from 2000 to the present. For more than twenty five years Chila has been creating powerful images of contemporary Asian Feminisms.
Born in Liverpool to a Hindu Punjabi family Chila’s art explores issues of class, gender, ethnicity, identity – but through the prism of defiance and love. Her work is informed by popular culture, Bollywood, fashion, found objects and a long-sustained examination of self-portraiture.
The exhibition will showcase a dazzling array of media: printmaking, collage, mixed media, photography, sculpture and painting. Through all of these media Chila’s aim remains steady: the provocative undermining of fixed categories.
A definite must-see show
What – MAJAJANI When – Fri 3 April – Thu 30 April Where – Rich Mix, 35 – 47 Bethnal green road, Shoreditch (Mezzanine + Lower Cafe Gallery)
We have had to wait for three years but it is now upon us – “Fragile”, the new solo show by Dan Baldwin is opening tomorrow to the publich at Gallery 8. We hear that the artist will explore the concepts of mortality and beauty. As always, the new works by Dan Baldwin promise to be distinctively colourful defying categorisation as figurative or abstract, real or imaginary.
For those not so familiar with Dan Baldwin’s works, expect encompassing ceramics, silkscreen prints, resin, acrylics, spray paint and found objects carefully mixed together and resulting in complex and intricate pieces. It is also worth to point out that most of the objects in his uses have been collected since he was a child.
Big City
The show will present another set of large-scale acrylic works where the artist continue the exploration of symbolism and narrative. By contrast, the artist has also developed a series of abstract canvasses which are devoid of any motifs but instead explore further his fascination with colour harmony. In comparison to others in the exhibition, these works evoke a positive response in the viewer but still ask us to consider the uncertain and short-lived nature of human happiness.
Sacrilegium – click to enlarge
A large proportion of the show will be dedicated to a series of delicate ceramics, a medium with which the artist has started to experiment further in recent years. Now working with a Sicilian pottery workshop, the artist is creating increasingly elaborate urn-like vessels which are representative of death and the fleeting nature of our existence. The most ambitious to date is perhaps “Sacrilegium” (2013) which is adorned with a real human skull cast in clay as well as 20% pure gold paint, crucifix, cherubs and an antique Russian bear figurine. These motifs increase the funerary connotations of the object, making it appear fragile in more ways than one.
But Dan Baldwin’s exploration of new mediums in his art does not stop here. He has also developed a series of large-scale tile paintings for the exhibition. “The Picnic” (2012), for example, is made up of 96 tiles overlaid with several glazes and precious metals. The dreamlike scene is filled with juxtapositions of life and death, innocence and corruption; children play with a severed head whilst Mickey Mouse dances with a skeleton. In a final act of ‘iconoclasm’ the artist smashed the tiles before assembling them, to demonstrate their fragility
The Picnic
What – “Fragile” the new solo show by Dan Baldwin Where – Gallery 8 When – 20/9 till 5/10/2013 (private view on the 19/9)
Halcyon Gallery presents its very first exhibition devoted entirely to the works of Andy Warhol. With over one hundred pieces on display, including graphics, portfolios and original works on paper and canvas, WARHOL ICONS is an exploration of the legendary Pop Art icon’s artistic ingenuity and importance.
Click to enlarge
Most Warhol iconic works are in the show
The exhibition spans Warhol’s iconic career from his early illustrative works of the 1950s, through Pop Art’s 1960s heyday, until his untimely death in 1987 – addressing the artist’s exploration of every facet of modern life, from consumerism and commissions to Communist politics.
“Self Portrait in Fright Wig” – click to enlarge
Amongst portraits of iconic figures and celebrity friends such as screen siren Ingrid Bergmanand champion heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali, WARHOL ICONS includes an original self-portrait – Self Portrait in Fright Wig, a striking collage work on paper which celebrates the artist’s enduring legacy and mastery of his brand.
Displayed according to Warhol’s original 1962 brief as to simulate cans stacked along supermarket shelves, the instantly-recognisable packaging present in the Campbell’s Soup I portfolio exemplifies Warhol’s fascination with commercial culture, the mainstream and mass production. In the same room, an original Campbell’s Soup Box: Chicken Soup is an interesting development – commissioned following the success of the former portfolio, the soup boxes further demonstrate a revolutionary period in art and culture where the status of everyday consumer items was elevated.
“Campbell’s soup” – click to enlarge
Along with Campbell’s Soup I, the exhibition features five of Warhol’s most celebrated portfolios of 10, including Cowboys and Indians and Endangered Species – the former deriving from the treasure trove of archival photographs, postcards and images of Native American artefacts that the artist collected throughout his life whilst the latter is a nod to Warhol’s ongoing interest in conservation and the environment.
Rarely seen works
WARHOL ICONS also features the rarely-seen Anatom (Rado Watches) – produced just a few months before his death and one of his last works ever created. The work is one of only three canvases created by Warhol depicting the iconic Rado DiaStar ‘Anatom’ watch. Rado Switzerland – a watch brand renowned for its sleek, luxury timepieces – commissioned the artist to produce the series of paintings in conjunction with their seventieth anniversary in 1987.
“Anatom” – click to enlarge
WARHOL ICONS offers an engaging insight into the life and works of a cultural icon. Through Warhol’s discerning eye, the exhibition reveals a layered social and cultural commentary underpinned by the visual art movement, Pop Art.
Digital Media, the new solo exhibition by Skullphone, aims to bring the playfulness, obsession, irony and anxiety of the Los Angeles-based artists’ renowned street installations into the Subliminal Projects space.
In Digital Media, Skullphone examines the contradictions inherent in outdoor digital signage, demonstrating cause for both wonder and concern over the increasingly ubiquitous medium. The artist explores advertising, government and private enterprise signage, and the California landscape on which outdoor media proliferate, making permanent on panels what is removable and reprogrammable in outdoor space.
Although of the same spirit as his past work, Digital MediaIthink marks a distinct visual departure for the artist. His use of mirror-polished, black-painted aluminum panels is a cold and slick leap from past works on found wood, weathered metal, and wheat-pasted paper. Skullphone’s painting technique employs a deliberate dot grid system, and his painted color is expanded to a limited palette of red, green and blue. This shift corresponds to the artist’s recent inspirations and exploits with outdoor digital media. Through painted pointillism, the imagery dislocates as the artwork is approached.
If the thought of having to go out there at night, hood on and a few cans in the pockets seems to you just not doable, the new Stencil Republic book, by London-based creative studio Ollystudio’s Oliver Walker and published by Laurence King, may be your alternative.
Pick one of the 20 stencils printed onto perforated card which have been created by international street artists such as Artiste Ouvrier, BS.AS.STNCL, Chris Stain, Dan Innes, Orticanoodles, Ozi, Run Don’t Walk and Stencil King, who has penned the book’s introduction.
Hours of fun and feeling of being a street artist, uh within the safe walls of your living room or bedroom, whatver this is a great toy.
One of the street art pieces you will be able to drop is Orticanoodles skull pictured below so what are you waiting for?
Here is what street artist AIKO has to day about the whole thing, ‘This is something you cannot learn at school. It doesn’t matter whether it is commissioned or unauthorised, painting in the dirty alley, on postal stickers, canvases, store signs, outdoor murals, you have to feel it, jump in, don’t stop and…have fun.’
Stencil Republic by Ollystudio is published by Laurence King Press on 1 October, priced £19.95
I got a flyer telling me about that exhibition – ‘Flying Eyeball presents Exhibition & Pop Up Shop’ when I went to the Lock Up exhibition last week (will post about it soon). I looked again at the flyer and after reading the artists line-up, Goldie, Ben Allen, Shok 1, etc. I could not wait but to be there.
On my way now with a friend to the Gallery 27, based in Mayfair. As I was trying to find my way (I lost the map I had printed earlier) I looked around to see only shops selling very expensive things or people in impeccable suits. I then thought, why Mayfair? An old looking and smelly warehouse in Dalston would surely suit a lot more that sort of exhibition (Dalston, Shoreditch – trendy spots, everyone knows that and agree) but I quickly realised that no actually Mayfair is spot on and is a sign of what Street Art has become and where it stands today in the vast contemporary art world: it is everywhere and appreciate by more and more people everyday.
I am actually pretty sure some of these people if not at least one (in impeccable suits) I stumbled across tonight may actually have thought or event bought a reproduction of a Banksy’s piece which is now hung in their study or in the loo. We need to give a bit more time though to see that piece hung on the living room next to a Rembrandt or a Monet, let’s be realistic.
I am now in the gallery and my first thought is asking whether I can take pictures (to post on this blog!) as I glance at that piece from Goldie right to the left when you come in. The girl I asked was having her takeaway and had to ask the manager who was downstairs who also got a takeaway but had to… anyway to make it short, I was allowed. Continue reading Flying eyeball exhibition & pop up show – Gallery 27→
The Art Conference (TAC)is a two-day arts festival exploring the intersection and evolution of technology, art and culture, bringing together global visionaries and creating a platform to discuss, connect and engage with contemporary art from a fresh perspective. TAC is bringing together a programme of international keynote speakers from the worlds of technology, art and culture.
TAC is founded by contemporary art curator Tina Ziegler in partnership with The IWSC Group. Bermondsey’s The Ugly Duck, a three – storey 19th century warehouse, will be filled with film screenings, panel discussions, exhibitions and digital art installations.
What to expect at TAC
TAC #01 will debate and deconstruct change on the subjects of social engagement through street art and how technology can enrich our experience with art and culture. Our inaugural conference explores the evolution of street art with a curated weekend of keynote presentations, panel discussions and networking opportunities for those with an interest in the future of this global movement.
Art by MASER (click to enlarge)
• Explore the evolution of Street Art, via a program of keynote presentations debating the social, political and environmental change that the medium is creating in ever-more powerful ways.
• Learn about technology’s influence on Street Art in the creation of rapidly-expanding global communities and the emotional energy covering urban landscapes worldwide.
• Meet representatives from across the art world during regular breaks, while enjoying international cuisine and a drink at the bar.
• Have an early chance to invest in astonishing new art initiatives and artworks on exhibition during the event.
The settings
TAC #01 spans all three floors of Ugly Duck, a contrarily stunning 19th century warehouse located on Bermondsey’s Tanner Street.
The exhibition hall will be transformed into a maze of mini – solo exhibitions, virtual reality experiences and digital art installations from both local and international artists.
Ugly Duck, Bermondsey, London
Visitors will also be treated to food and drink from local chefs in the outdoor food court, while networking breakfasts and afternoon teas will be provided by Unity Kitc hen, a social enterprise that helps to create jobs and apprenticeships for people with disabilities.
Installations, illustrated, digital art and more
World renowned light artist and poet Robert Montgomery displays his much – loved light installations.
Colin McMaster shows a collection of original acrylic and hand – cut wood paintings while artist Jordan Seiler exhibits his Public Ad Campaign work where visitors can test how the artworks transform when viewed through an iPhone.
Art by Jordan Seiler
Jose Monte mayor presents Virtual Awakening, an immersive, life – after – death virtual reality experience.
Ziegler hopes that pairing the works of local creators along side internationally – acclaimed visionaries will allow the conference to evoke achievable aspiration in attendees. She comments
I have always wanted to encourage dialogue, critical reflection and interaction with arts and technology, striving to bring people together to connect with the arts and help break down the boundaries people often find when engaging with art.
15 international speakers
TAC will offer a series of curated, thoughtful and interconnecting presentations by representatives from the wider art world – curators, artis ts, collectors and art administrators. My aim is that TAC will allow the worlds of art and technology to meet and inspire each other.
The conference will present a curated selection of more than 15 international keynote speakers – see the TAC website for further details. Each of the speakers share their unique stories and experiences and offer practical insights in to the art and creative industries.
Noise. Noises. They are everywhere these days and unique in their own ways but can they be assimilated to art too?
Labspace Studio ( (a creative agency & art house in Toronto, Canada), the people behind Noise Intercepted, a global art project about noise part of the Noise Project, certainly think so and have just launched their project today. and guess what, we are taking part and are excited about it. But what is it exactly?
Noise Intercepted is a series of ten experience-activated noise challenges that prompt participants to listen, observe and interact with their urban soundscape in new and unlikely ways.
The project brings together over 200 collaborators from 28 countries around the globe — artists, sound ecologists, designers, writers, mothers, fathers, educators, filmmakers, administrators, technicians, scientists, students, programmers, health practitioners, and the list goes on.
Over the course of four months (March – June 2013), participants will be sent (via text msg & email) a series of ten noise challenges and creative prompts.
They have exactly 1-week to respond to each challenge and share their findings here with you.
