2023 - Issue 71
Showcasing artists and works that caught my attention.
I thought the blue humanoids and industrial ravaged land were an AI interpretation of Avatar, but in fact they’re… Australia?! Each scene is the artist’s interpretation of actual environmental exploitation. Using gouache on paper, Christina Lucia Giuffrida (@christinaluciagiuffrida_) builds these up layer by layer, and the kid in me spent a lot of time trying to mentally peel them back apart, looking for the many subtly hidden details.
‘Dark Pastoral’ at Taymour Grahne Projects (@taymourgrahneprojects) until 19 Jul
Seven emerging female painters subvert traditional notions of femininity and domesticity via a contemporary lens. Creative framing by Grace Tobin (@gracetobinart) and Jess Allen (@jessallenartist) results in compositions that initially appear abstract, with the latter painter’s shadowy self-portrait hidden in plain sight. Even more playful approaches can be seen in the fanciful flowers by Olha Pryymak (@olhapryymak) that obscure hidden worlds and heads that stare back at you, while Xu Yang (@_xu.yang_) fills her trompe-l'œil with incredibly subtle ripostes to elegance and class.
‘The Angel in the House’ at Studio West (@studio_west_gallery) until 20 Jul
South Korean art tends to be bold, bright and frequently experimental with texture and material — and now’s your chance to add some to your collection. There’s even a good selection of pieces for under £1,000. This new boutique art fair brings the work of 33 Korean-based artists into London and the entry ticket prices more than justify the chance to browse a wide range of contemporary works notably different than anything you’ve probably seen at other summer shows. It’s mostly abstract, with the few figurative works clearly inspired by pop culture and a distinct sense of fun.
‘Korean Art London’ at Mall Galleries (@mallgalleries) until 22 Jul
From £10 adult / £8 student & senior / kids free.
Visit koreanartlondon.com and follow @koreanartlondon on Instagram for more information and to purchase tickets.
Another group show with seven female artists features work that explores ‘touch’. For most people that often involves reaching up to stroke your own face or grabbing someone else’s hand. For Ioana Mirea Sisea (@ioanasisea) it’s being abducted and licked by a long tongued bear whilst wearing a gold lamé thong. I’m hoping that sculpture isn’t a self portrait! Featuring some fabulous work by Morag Caister (@moragcaister), Penelope Kupfer (@penelope_kupfer), and more.
‘Take My Hand’ at Unit 1 Gallery (@unit1galleryworkshop) until 29 Jul
Four incredibly large colourscape resins by Billy Fraser (@billy_fraser) were reacting a lot more positively than I was to London’s sweltering summer sun on the day that I saw them. Glowing so vibrant and bright, you won’t believe these aren’t backlit. They’re paired with a much cooler spectrum that Simone Mudde (@simonemudde) “paints” via photogram. Be sure to ask what that is, and more importantly how, and how long it took, to make this work.
‘Optics’ at Sherbet Green (@sherbet_green) until 02 Sep
Yet another West London group show with seven female artists, plus one token bloke, and it’s a strong offering of ‘soft’ works. From the sinuous charcoal figures by Gianna Dispenza (@GiannaDispenza) and abstract fibreglass from Vanessa da Silva (@vanessadasilvasilvasilva) to the organic stacks of silicone rubber from Laura White (@laurawhite2) that looks like an incredibly bored teen got hold of a years’ supply of Blu Tack, the artists in this show present amusing, organic and mostly sculptural works. Unfortunately, the tasty looking donuts from Jonathan Trayte (@Jonathan_Trayte) are display only. Such a tease!
‘Soft Monuments’ at Frestonian (@frestoniangallery) until 05 Aug
PLUS — don’t forget to check the What’s On page so you don’t miss any other great shows closing soon.