2023 - Issue 89
Showcasing artists and works that caught my attention.
This short-run, appointment-only show might be done before you even read about it, but all the artists are worth looking into. Preslav Kostov (@preslavkostov) paints hazy, racy nighttime encounters, or maybe they’re just dreams? They sit in stark contrast to the architectural studies from Selwyn Stern (@selwyn_steyn_studio), with girders and bricks that match their slanted, cardboard frames. There’s also a lone monotone relief by Rafał Zajko (@rafal_zajko) amusingly augmented with his discarded chewing gum, and a variety of watercolour on canvas works from Luke Silva (@lukesilva__).
‘Manifest’ at Sixty Six London (@sixtysixldn) until 09 Dec
As a collector, I love telling people that I bought a David Hepher on Cork Street. You can too, thanks to the the 41st iteration of Small is Beautiful at Flowers Gallery, featuring 100 small sized works (no more than 18 x 23 cm) from internationally recognised names at prices that, while not cheap, are certainly affordable compared to the outrageous sums most of the artists normally command. 50 of the 100 currently hung are priced under £1,500 — but you better hurry if you wanna bring home a bargain!
‘Small is Beautiful’ at Flowers (@flowersgallery) until 06 Jan
Yes, it’s Instagram bait. But if you were to strip away the matchy matchy floor and wallpaper — which makes for confusing, mind bending viewing — you’ll see that the individual works have an enormous amount of detail and could stand on their own outside of this show. Francesca DiMattio (@francescadimattio) has filled the room with a variety of odd sculptures that are strangely familiar. Covered in muck and seashells, you might think they’re 18th century shipwreck treasures until a closer inspection reveals a modern consumerist mashup.
‘Wedgwood’ at Pippy Houldsworth (@pippyhouldsworthgallery) until 23 Dec
One more swipe. One more like. Maybe, just maybe, the next one will be THE one? Anya Gorkova (@anyagorkova) ignores the lonely despair of app-based dating, choosing instead to focus on the sugary sweet optimism that keeps so many of us looking for love. Vast swathes of potential partners are represented by generic silhouettes, which hide shredded photos that are encased inside gem encrusted frames. Though much like the emotional baggage we all try to avoid, you’d only know about that if you read the handout. Bringing the show full circle is a paper based Dating Questionnaire and a selection of tunes in the loo to help you drown out those sorrows from last night’s bad date.
Co-presented by @generalinformation.art
‘Are You Seeing Anyone?’ at South Parade (@southparade_) until 13 Jan
In both visual motif and layers of finger-like textures, the paintings from Shannon Bono (@bonosart_) emphasise touch and self love. Vanessa da Silva (@vanessadasilvasilvasilva) pushes that concept further with wearable sculptures that wrap around you like a bony armed hug. Though you might have to buy before you can try one on. In the third set of works, I can’t tell if the isolated characters from Yulia losilzon (@yulia_iosilzon) are suspiciously retreating or trying to entice me with a come hither look.
Curated by Hums Kabakci (@humakabakci)
‘Hold Me Now’ at Ione & Mann (@ioneandmann) until 27 Jan
PLUS…
Check the What’s On page so you don’t miss any other great shows closing soon.
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