Wednesday, 1 June 2016

Jeff Koons' 'Now' at Newport Street Gallery, London



The career-spanning work of American artist Jeff Koons (b. 1955) is the subject of the latest free exhibition at Damien Hirst's Newport Street Gallery. The South London exhibition space, which opened in October 2015, was created with the purpose of displaying Hirst's vast private collection of art. Featuring solo or group shows, the brightly-lit, freshly painted gallery is a "dream come true" for the artist who "felt guilty owning work that is stored away in boxes where no one can see it..."


Drawn purely from Hirst's collection Now presents a major survey of Koons' work from 1979 to 2014. The bold and brash creations, which fill all six galleries at Newport Street, share similar traits to Hirst's own artistic output. Indeed, Koons' works were an early source of inspiration for Hirst when he was studying at Goldsmiths. Both artists have focused their careers on art for the masses, where the audience is not expected to possess specific knowledge to be able to enjoy the works. As a rebellion against traditional notions of what can be classified as art they display everyday objects and imagery that might otherwise be considered distasteful or uninteresting. Koons has been especially concerned with readymade art, an idea made popular by Marcel Duchamp, who famously exhibited a urinal, labeling it as a Fountain (1917). This ideology can be seen in Koons' series of works from 1979 onwards, titled The New, which consist of unused vacuum cleaners and floor polishers displayed straight out of their packaging. With no labels to accompany any of the works the viewer is left to determine meanings for themselves.


There are reoccurring themes throughout the exhibition, such as the notion that viewers produce their own interpretations of Koons' creations. One of the key themes is this idea of personal reflection on life, which manifests itself in Koons' preoccupation with shiny, mirror-like inflatables. From children's balloons to life-saving vests, inflatables feature strongly in the exhibition. Yet there is more to them than meets the eye. On the outside they look like the air-filled objects they are imitating, but instead they have been crafted out of long-lasting materials such as stainless steel. This not only ensures longevity, but provides a mirror-like surface that reflects the viewer and their surrounds. In this way Koons is holding a mirror up to the world both physically and metaphorically.


The third gallery in this exhibition contains erotic imagery, where photographs and children aren't allowed. Explicit images of Koons and his then wife, Ilona, engaged in sexual activity may be considered shocking or simply bad taste. Yet bad taste is a deliberate theme throughout Koons' career where he explores the aesthetic value of everyday imagery. Koons thinks there is nothing shameful about natural sexual activity, choosing to depict the couple as a version of Adam and Eve against a dream-like background of flowers. There is even an unquestionably phallic tail on Koons' giant Balloon Monkey (Blue) (2006-2013) made from mirror-polished stainless steel.


Some of Koons' works seem to be making a political statement, like those expressing ideals behind the American Dream. His Luxury and Degradation series reflects the contrasting ways in which alcohol is marketed to the rich and poor. This is especially demonstrated by a Jim Beam decanter train set (1986) which Koons has immortalised in stainless steel, locking the whiskey inside each carriage indefinitely. Elsewhere, works that depict childhood characters and toys may appear trivial, but they highlight the huge impact of modern day consumerism on people's daily lives.


The creative output of Koons and Hirst has often been dismissed as pointless kitsch, which is not completely inaccurate. They have also been criticised for their hands-off approach; conceptualising rather than making their own art. Nevertheless, the ambition in overcoming the challenges presented by their work is something to be admired. For example, few artists have been able to produce a realistic-looking mountain of Play-Doh (1994-2014) over ten feet tall, made from huge pieces of aluminum held together simply by their own weight. Such feats have brought them international fame and fortune, which is why it is good to see them staging a free exhibition. Admittedly there is a pricey restaurant (below), plus a gift shop selling Hirst's prints for no less than £3000 each, but visitors are not pounced upon, or forced to exit the building through them. Newport Street Gallery is likely to become a permanent London attraction, so it is worth keeping an eye on what Hirst has to offer in the future.


Jeff Koons Now is on display until 16th October 2016. Newport Street Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm, with late opening until 10pm on Saturdays during the summer.

Address: Newport Street Gallery, Newport Street, London SE11 6AJ.

Thursday, 28 April 2016

Pick Me Up Graphic Arts Festival, Somerset House, London



Now in its 7th year, Pick Me Up Graphic Arts Festival returns to Somerset House (until 2nd May 2016). It makes the perfect cultural outing for those who aren't sure of which London attraction to visit this Bank Holiday weekend. Tickets cost £10 or under, with the exclusion of the more comprehensive Festival Pass. There is something here for everyone to enjoy, from exhibitions and pop-up shops, to talks, workshops and demonstrations. All manner of disciplines are represented, including animation, ceramic art, illustration, letterpress, risograph printing and screen-printing. The festival is also hosting a special Alan Kitching retrospective, examining the celebrated designer's six decades in the field.

Up-and-coming talent is the subject of the first room of displays. Pick Me Up Selects are 13 international graphic artists and illustrators who have set-up-studio or graduated within the last 3 years. Selected by a panel of industry experts, their works are showcased alongside objects that demonstrate their working processes, techniques and inspirations. Additionally, on each day of the festival, one of the Selects will be working live, creating pieces for purchase.

Among the Pick Me Up Selects Jack Sachs has one of the more distinctive styles of work. The young Londoner has created cartoon-like illustrations of parts of the body featuring cross sections to show inner workings. Yet these are not realistic biological diagrams, but playful imaginings of what goes on inside the human body. His installation is made all the more eye-catching through being displayed against a black background with a 3D animation playing on a screen. Sachs' medically-themed works were inspired by a serious injury to his drawing hand, which he suffered during his final year at Camberwell College of Arts.

Another illustrator stealing the show is Dutchman Aart-Jan Venema. Inspired by Bosch and Bruegel, his paintings tell everyday stories in a detailed and humorous way, as in The Internet (2016), which portrays the modern-day temptation of online procrastination. Also vying for attention are the kinetic works of Isabel Gibson and Helen Chesner. Similar in appearance to Alexander Calder's mobiles, they have produced a set of automated instruments that move and play sounds independently, but when seen together form a lively orchestral installation. Their creative partnership has led to commissions of multi-disciplinary projects for clients such as Nike and Selfridges.


At the end of the show is the Alan Kitching retrospective. Featuring over 100 prints, it charts the development of his work from early beginnings as an apprentice, to the pieces that have made him one of the world's most prominent graphic artists. On selected dates visitors can watch Alan Kitching printing letterpress live. They will see his new work inspired by the UTOPIA festival at Somerset House; the print is his own version of the alphabet based on Thomas More's Island of Utopia. More Utopian-themed activities are being organised during 2016, but in the meantime visitors can immerse themselves in the colourful Utopia Treasury found in the Great Arch Hall.


Upstairs in the mezzanine, besides a cafe, are a selection of trendy pop-up shops, some hosting live demonstrations. Peso Print are screen-printing bright backgrounds onto which visitors can choose to have letters and words printed. T-shirts, tote bags, books, framed prints and ceramics are just a few of the many items available from niche retailers.

Elsewhere at Somerset House several events and exhibitions are taking place that will be of equal interest. In the Terrace Rooms of the South Wing can be found Venturing Beyond: Graffiti and the Everyday Utopias of the Street (until 2nd May 2016). Free to enter, it shows off specially commissioned work by 18 street artists from around the world. Over 500 contemporary photographs are also on display as part of Sony's World Photography Awards (until 8th May 2016, tickets from £6.50 to £9.50).

More information about Pick Me Up Graphic Arts Festival can be found on the festival's website. Address: Embankment Galleries, South Wing, Somerset House, London WC2R 1LA.

Tuesday, 22 March 2016

Big Steam Print, Various locations




Now for something a little different…

The printing process, something usually hidden in artists’ studios, is being taken outdoors by Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft in an ambitious crowdfunded project. The Big Steam Print seeks to wow audiences by taking a vintage steamroller on tour to use as a giant printing press. Artists such as Anthony Burrill, Angie Lewin and Rob Ryan are busy designing their biggest ever prints, which are destined to undergo the pressure of a 12.5-tonne steamroller. Students and community groups will also benefit from the opportunity to produce prints with lino, letterpress or wood then watch with bated breath as their finished works are revealed fresh off the steamroller press!

The theatre of printing will be witnessed by thousands as the Big Steam Print tours museums and festivals throughout the spring and summer of 2016. The project takes the steamroller on tour from its base at Amberley Museum in West Sussex; to the Acton depot of London Transport Museum; to the coast as part of Brighton Festival; and to the 700-year-old Village Fair in Ditchling. Prints that survive the force of the steamroller will go on display in a special exhibition at Brighton’s Phoenix Gallery from 6th - 21st August.

Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft raised over £12,500 for the Big Steam Print using the Art Happens crowdfunding site. Hosted by the Art Fund, the website features a campaign video (starring yours truly), which acts as a fun introduction to the project.


Ditchling is famous for the artistic legacy of past residents such as Hilary Pepler, Eric Gill, Philip Hagreen, David Jones and Ethel Mairet. The Big Steam Print forms part of a season of public programming by Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft celebrating 100 years since Edward Johnston designed the London Underground typeface in the Sussex village. The Village of Type programme will include commissions, residencies, lectures, workshops and a host of exhibitions marking the aforementioned centenary and celebrating a contemporary interest in printing, typography and letterpress.

Follow @museumartcraft for the latest updates and go to the museum’s website for details of events taking place throughout 2016.

Address: Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, Lodge Hill Lane, Ditchling, East Sussex BN6 8SP.

Steamroller printing dates:

28th March: Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre, West Sussex
23rd & 24th April: London Transport Museum’s Acton Depot Open Weekend, London
22nd May: The Level, Brighton
18th June: Ditchling Village Fair, East Sussex

Sunday, 21 February 2016

Into the Woods at St Anne's Galleries, Lewes, East Sussex


Into the Woods - Picturing Trees is the latest exhibition to grace the walls of the much-loved St Anne's Galleries in Lewes. Featuring a beautiful array of works on the theme of trees, the exhibition showcases the talents of a hand-picked selection of established and emerging artists.It is both charming and alluring to know that these pieces have been created especially for the show, with only one exception; Harold Mockford's The Weeping Ash (2008).

Those chosen to exhibit their craft must have delighted in this opportunity to depict one of nature's giants; the mighty tree. Unsurprisingly they pull this off magnificently. Abstract works by Nick Carrick and Julian Le Bas are brimming with colour and emotion. Even Le Bas' dramatic black and white Horizon of Winter Trees (Dusk) has a captivating charm, despite its gloomy impression of a row of trees as the daylight fades. Also demanding attention as you enter the gallery is Jack Frame's Silver Birch, which has been drawn meticulously in dots and swirls using a black glass marker on a white sheet of perspex. He is just one of several artists in this show to employ unconventional materials. Sarah Sparkes has painted trees on her childhood bedroom wallpaper, while Alvaro Petritoli has inked glowing moons onto irregular paper clay shapes.


Elsewhere, artists have interpreted the tree theme in a surreal and almost storybook way. Kate Montgomery's scenes of children playing near woodland have a dream-like quality, and Peter Messer's paintings conjure up a foreboding feeling as in a fairytale. Messer's Down Too Soon shows a man standing alone in the woods with a crescent-moon-shaped head, while his Heartbreak House depicts a spooky-looking dolls house surrounded by tall, dark trees (pictured).

St Anne's Galleries can be applauded for the variety of styles, imaginative use of media and generally high standard of work seen in this show. Also commendable is their Worth Watching scheme that showcases work by promising artists still studying at university.

The exhibition is open 20th February to 6th March, from 10am until 5pm at weekends, and by appointment at other times. Go to www.stannesgalleries.com for more information.
Address: 111 High Street, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1XY.

Wednesday, 23 December 2015

The Winter Tree, Standen House and Garden, West Sussex



Raising eyebrows at Standen House this Christmas is a unique festive tree designed by Dame Zandra Rhodes and Andrew Logan. Decorating the tree has brought together their shared passion for vibrant, fun and innovative designs. Smothered in pink ribbons and adorned with colourful gifts - including mirrors and toys - The Winter Tree stands proudly in the courtyard by the entrance to the house. Logan, a prominent yet unconventional sculptural artist, "immediately thought pink" when he was asked to help create the tree. Rhodes, one of Britain's most celebrated fashion designers, who often dies her hair pink, was unlikely to disagree with his choice of colour!


The Winter Tree is not just a celebration of Christmas, but also a "celebration of life." Standen House was a family home whose owners often extended their generosity to the local community at Christmas. The Winter Tree has maintained this tradition by inviting local families to choose gifts to fill the baubles. Rhodes wanted the tree to act as a tribute to Standen House. The National Trust property is renowned as a treasure trove of Morris & Co. designs, including its furniture, wallpapers and fabrics. In a similar vein, The Winter Tree features UK-designed homemade decorations, embodying the same ethos that was behind the arts and crafts movement.


Visitors can also enjoy a display of Christmas through the ages inside the house. Each of the rooms downstairs has been decorated to showcase Christmas trends from a different decade, stretching from Victorian times to the present day. It's guaranteed to make even the most cynical feel more festive!


Address: Standen House and Garden, West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 4NE. For details of admission prices and opening times go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/standen.

Thursday, 10 December 2015

Christmas 2015 Artists Open Houses, Brighton and Hove



Catch the last weekend of Brighton and Hove Artists Open Houses!

This Christmas edition of Artists Open Houses (AOH) has been running for four weekends, ending on Sunday 13th December 2015. It’s an excellent opportunity to buy arty festive gifts that you won’t find on the high street.

Featuring over 50 venues, the AOH festival is spread across Brighton and Hove and even extends to the surrounding villages of Rottingdean and Ditchling. Not only is it the largest and oldest event of its kind in the UK, but it also takes place twice a year, in May and December.

Over the years AOH has diversified beyond the original concept of artists presenting works in their own homes. Today the full range of venues encompasses houses, workshops, studios, commercial galleries and pop-up shops. Here are some of the favourites this Christmas:

11 Rugby Road
Brighton BN1 6EB


An Aladdin’s cave of festivity and creativity greets visitors at 11 Rugby Road. Dan Mackey’s contemporary graphics can be seen on the walls, while cards, jewellery and other crafts fill every nook and cranny. Adam Johnson’s marine-inspired ceramics appear as tentacles on the landing and  “crunckles” (sea urchin-like tea light holders) glowing in the bathroom. The kitchen has been transformed into a “candy wonderland”, overflowing with sweets, chocolates and cupcakes amid the gentle aroma of mulled wine. Proceeds from the sale of these sweet treats are going towards Superstar Arts, a charity that specialises in projects for adults with learning disabilities.


Glass in Fusion
Unit 9, Beaconsfield Studios, 25 Ditchling Rise, Brighton BN1 4QL


Close to London Road station is a maze-like complex of studios where glass artist Stephanie Else is based. Her kiln-formed works use a combination of transparent and translucent glass, embedded with metal fragments that shimmer in the light. Jewellery, bowls, coasters, wall panels and sculptural pieces are all part of her bold and colourful repertoire. Unsurprisingly the bestsellers have been the delicate glass snowflakes that dazzle as they hang on ribbons. A few pop-up shops can also be found in Beaconsfield Studios, selling textiles, jewellery, leather accessories and other gifts. Sophie Darling’s intricately detailed hand-printed scarves and kimonos are a must-see.


Atelier 51
51 Providence Place, Brighton BN1 4GE


Atelier 51 is an exciting new venture just opposite St. Bartholomew’s Church. Here five artists have opened their recently created workshops for the public to browse. The ground floor features quirky ceramics by Elaine Bolt and Silvia K, which sit among the kilns and tools used to make them. Walls upstairs are adorned with the mesmerising “paperscapes” of Rhoda Baker and Sarah Young’s imaginative screen prints. The venue is also showcasing the works of 22 guest artists and makers, providing a real feast for the eyes.


Bailey & Daughter
Flat 4, Grand Avenue Mansions, Grand Avenue, Hove BN3 2NA


Geoff Bailey’s atmospheric photographs fill the walls of this tastefully decorated apartment. They convey the sights from his many travels, including Bali, Provence and Cuba. Bailey’s love of the medium is obvious, as is his fondness for the places and people he portrays (including those here in Brighton). In one of the bedrooms are beautiful life drawings and paintings by his daughter, Samantha, as well as contemporary jewellery by Rosalind Winnard. The hosts are welcoming folk, offering mulled cider to guests in dinky handmade cups.


The Claremont
13 Second Avenue, Hove BN3 2LL


This five-star Victorian hotel is one of the more unusual venues on the AOH list. Works by over 30 artists are displayed throughout the building, including the communal areas, a few bedrooms, and even the bathrooms. Art works have been chosen to compliment the décor in the rooms, creating an ambience that surpasses that found in many hotels. All tastes are catered for with an eclectic mix of media and subject matter, plus tasty seasonal complimentary fare.



The Christmas AOH festival runs until 13th December 2015. Most venues are open 11am until 6pm Saturdays and Sundays, but opening times may vary (check the online brochure at www.aoh.org.uk).

Friday, 13 November 2015

From The Studio Floor, Ipswich Town Hall, Suffolk



This weekend Ipswich Town Hall plays host to an exhibition of new works by amateur and professional artists with links to Suffolk. Sponsored by MLM consultancy, From The Studio Floor follows on from the original Bermondsey show of the same title that took place in May. For the Suffolk edition of the show each artist has displayed a single exhibit to demonstrate their typical work and any current projects they’re undertaking. These contemporary works, in a range of media, are strikingly juxtaposed with the traditional art adorning the walls of Ipswich’s iconic town hall. The end result is a unique smorgasbord of creativity.


Exhibition highlights include installation work by Lloyd Evans and Mark Aaron, whose mesmerising light and sound collaborations grace the walls of the café and staircase to the gallery. Machin by Spadge Hopkins also attracts visitors, who are allowed to touch this seemingly dysfunctional set of mechanical components to make them rotate on bearings. Yet the real stars of the show are the numerous paintings glowing under the spotlights. Paintings like the beautifully depicted night sky by Mark Batty, or the stunning seascapes by George Sarson and Jessica Oliver. The portraits in the exhibition are also of a high standard, especially Leigh Hammett’s version of Sassoferrato’s Virgin Mary. Equally as arresting is Ania Hobson’s Thom - one of a series of eight life-size portraits that are due to be shown in London next year. She masterfully captures the emotion of the sitter in his chequered suit, unconventionally viewed from his feet upwards. Janice Williams’ Joey and Edna is another honest and sensitive portrait, expressing the interaction between an elderly lady and her pet bird.


With its broad range of styles and subject matter there is something for everyone in this free exhibition. What’s more, the central location makes it an ideal place to stop for passing shoppers and those on their lunch break.


From The Studio Floor is on show between 11am and 5pm until Sunday 15th November 2015 in Gallery 3, Ipswich Town Hall, King Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 1DH. For more information go to www.fromthestudiofloor.co.uk.