2024 - Issue 96
Showcasing artists and works that caught my attention last week. Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter to find out what didn’t make the cut.
Lucy Neish (@lucy_neish) paints photorealistic imagery onto roughly textured postcard-sized slabs. From a distance they look like mysteriously lit adobe bricks. But with sparse details, your curiosity will only grow as you lean in for a closer examination. Four of her works have been given room to breathe and are offset by a large red curtain (or… is it?) and a small canvas covered in velvet by Ilê Sartuzi (@ilesartuzi), whose “NO” texts are a helpful reminder that a few small works can have a big, big impact when a show is this carefully curated.
‘in the coulisse’ at Night Cafe Gallery (@nightcafegallery) until 22 Feb
There’s plenty of competent paintings in this show about works with “secondary readings” but none of them come close to the mystery and intrigue found in the work of two artists that subvert traditional methods of material and display. Richard Dean Hughes (@richarddeanhughes) has made a giant steel sheath for his painting. It looks like a supersized credit card wallet. I’m not a fan of the mummy-themed work inside, but it doesn’t really matter what’s in there because the concept is the box. In stark contrast are three small pieces with soft fuzz that Maria Szakats (@maria.magdalena.sz) has teased out from a mohair on canvas base. Her largest work hides a ghostly surprise, while two small floral arrangements look like my nan’s favourite decorative throw pillows have been ravaged by her cat.
Also featuring:
Laura Lancaster (@laura__lancaster)
Lyle Perkins (@lyleaperkins)
Glen Pudvine (@glenpudvine)
Katie Tomlinson (@kt_tomlinson)
‘A Mirror to Vanity’ at Brooke Benington (@brookebenington) until 24 Feb
Nostalgia is a curious thing, often triggered by imagery that predates the viewer by significant margins. Harley Kuyck-Cohen (@harleywpkc) explores that with collages of patterns and artefacts from up to half a century before he was even born. His large physical structures — they look like doors, but are modelled on grocery store checkout conveyor belts — transported me instantly back to primary school, despite the fact that I’ve never even used an abacus. Companion postcards continue the theme in a show that might leave you reminiscing about times long gone.
‘is voor Inkt’ at Lungley Gallery (@lungleygallery) until 02 Mar
Pristine, English art deco has been vandalised with children’s drawings, while origami pets and ghostly paper cutouts share the stark white spaces with pre-war fashionistas. Christopher Noulton (@christopher.noulton) crams a lot of concepts into his modestly sized canvasses, so much so that you’ll probably miss more than you see in these strangely compelling scenes.
‘The Unforgettables’ at James Freeman Gallery (@jamesfreemangallery) until 02 Mar
In this strong group show it’s the sculptural pieces that truly stand out due to the way the artists subvert materials, starting with Romuald Hazoumè’s plastic jug heads at the entrance. You’ll see mind blowing details that Alexis Peskine (@alexispeskine) is able to achieve by hammering nails, but my mind was particularly boggled by the sculptures of Jukhee Kwon (@jukheekwon) who weaves with paper shredded out of books from which the strands are still attached.
Also featuring…
Sokari Douglas Camp (@sokaridouglascamp)
Golnaz Fathi (@golnazfathi)
Elisabeth Lalouschek (@elisabethlalouschek)
Govinda Sah (@govinda_azad)
…and more!
‘Transvangarde: Free Style Cipher’ at October Gallery (@octobergallerylondon) until 02 Mar
It’s the colours. It’s the mysterious mystical symbols. It’s the way the female figures seamlessly blend into the physical elements all around them, literally becoming one with nature. Normally I’m not a fan of Earth-mama, hippie-chick art, but Monica Sjöö does things with shape, shadow and colour that unexpectedly soothed and seduced me. Many works have a spiritual aura, echoing the figurative compositions and angelic halos frequently seen in religious stained glass displays. “Sjöö was a co-founder of the Goddess movement and this exhibition traces her deep commitment to gender and environmental justice.”
‘Monica Sjöö’ at Alison Jacques (@alisonjacquesgallery) until 09 Mar
PLUS…
Check the What’s On page so you don’t miss any other great shows closing soon.
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