exhibition – The Cultural Exposé

In pictures: Jeff Koons at the Newport Street Gallery

Matilda — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 18:00:02 +0000

Did I get a little carried away with snapping nearly everything at the new Koons exhibition that I checked out a few weeks ago?

Yes.

Yes, I did.

I don’t have a very strong love or hatred for the guy, but I do get charmed by his wacky, retro ways.

Here’s pics of my favourite bits of the show:

Jeff Koons: Now is at Newport Street Gallery until October 16.

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A flash rave and multi-art: my weekend in pictures (January 30th)

Matilda — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 09:00:44 +0000

The motto for the weekend: Head East and Chill. On my way to my friend’s group show at Protein studios, I stumbled upon what looked like a rave, but two snaps in and I was out. Nothing to see there, nothing to see. On the other hand, the Present 003 exhibition was all kinds of brilliant, showcasing the work from a diverse collective of artists and designers. Shout-outs to Philippa Long and Lakwena Maciver for their dope contributions!

Pics shot on a Canon 5D Mark 1 (24-105mm lens)

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My weekend in pictures: January 9

Matilda — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 08:30:53 +0000

The first weekend of the New Year was all about chilling at The Tabernacle in West London, the bar/gallery space that’s hosting the new SOUND SYSTEM CULTURE: London exhibition. All pics shot on a Canon 5D Mark 1 with a 24-105mm lens.

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The Craft Council’s jewellery exhibition is all about the power of the bling

Matilda — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 08:45:31 +0000

I can’t say I’m the flashy sort, but I do love a bit of jewellery. Daily earrings are a standard, I like a nice bracelet and I might throw on a necklace when the mood takes me. I’ve also been known to delve into the world of costume jewellery every now and again, which is why I was intrigued to hear about this new contemporary jewellery exhibition at the Royal College of Art.

Rodolfo Ramón Azaro’s Tarzan, 1973, Photo: Todd White Art Photography

I AM HERE showcases over 90 pieces of studio jewellery from the last 50 years, produced by European makers who weren’t just in it to make fun, stylish accessories (although the pieces on show are cute). In some cases, they wanted to highlight contemporary social and political issues through their designs. Pieces from the 70s were a bit more radical (and eschewed precious materials) and this established a new standard in what jewellery could be.

The free show features creative collections from Crafts Council, mima, Galerie Marzee, Gallery S O, Pangolin London and other renowned designers, so if you appreciate quality and unique body candy, get yourself to the Upper Gulbenkian gallery at the Royal College of Art before it wraps up on 25th November.

But if you can’t make it, check out some of the fab pieces on show below – and for more info visit: www.craftscouncil.org.uk/what-we-do/i-am-here.

A 1975 Bracelet by Brian Glassar, Photo: Todd White Art Photography

Nora Fok, Bubblebath, 2001, Nylon thread. Crafts Council Collection, Photo: Heini Schneebeli

Kepa Karmona, The Present, 2009, Photo mima

Dorothea Prühl, Motten (Moths), 2012, Photo: Galerie Marzee

Geoffrey Clarke, Pendant VII. Photo; Chadwick Oblong B Ring, 1970. photo; courtesy of Pangolin London and the artist’s estate

Lynn Chadwick, Oblong B Ring, 1970. photo; courtesy of Pangolin Londonand the artist’s estate

Tatty Devine Still Life Necklace 2015

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The British Library’s West Africa: Word, Symbol, Song exhibition is all kinds of amazing

Matilda — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 08:35:15 +0000

Someone should have warned me that you can’t really do a quick sweep around the British Library’s new exhibition dedicated to the history of West Africa. It’s a whole day job that might involve packing some snacks because there’s alot to take in (and justifiably so). The history of a single African country (let’s say Nigeria) is comprehensive in itself – but this impressive show takes on the noble task of focussing on the region’s 17 nations over a thousand year time span. The sum of that is over 200 manuscripts, books, sound and film recordings, artworks, masks and colourful textiles that never fail to engage or provoke discussion. Highlights include:

A Fela Kuti music room
A range of cloths printed with messages, proverbs and symbolic meanings
Musical instruments such as atumpan ‘talking drums’ and a akonting from Gambia, believed to be a predecessor of the banjo
A carnival costume newly designed by Brixton-based artist Ray Mahabir, based on the tradition of Bele, a drum dance and song closely linked to Caribbean history, struggle, freedom and celebration
Textiles and music dedicated to Chinua Achebe
A presentation of works by authors Wole Soyinka, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Sefi Atta
A display celebrating the Nollywood film industry

So if there was ever a question about the significance of Africa to the development of culture and civilisation, this exhibition is a metaphorical bomb drop. Prepare to be enlightened.

West Africa: Word, Symbol, Song runs until 16th February 2016. Entry is £10. For more information visit www.bl.uk/events/west-africa-word-symbol-song.

Carnival costume designed by Ray Mahabir of Sunshine International Arts in 2015, based on Bele or Bel Air, a drum dance and song closely linked to Caribbean history, struggle, freedom and celebration. On display in West Africa: Word, Symbol, Song, photographed by Toby Keane.

Manuscript culture in Timbuktu in 2007 by photographer Alexandra Huddleston, on display in West Africa: Word, Symbol, Song © Alexandra Huddleston.

Fela Kuti photographed by Bernard Matussière, reproduced by kind permission of Knitting Factory Records for West Africa: Word, Symbol, Song.

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A rebel with a cause: Ai Weiwei at the Royal Academy of Arts

Matilda — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 06:00:36 +0000

I’ve only ever had a passing knowledge of Ai Weiwei. The Chinese government hated him, I knew that much, and his contemporary art always seemed intended to irritate the powers that be even more – so much so, they took his passport for four years (the scoundrels). From a distance, he seemed humorous, genuine. Creative. Committed to his cause. Maybe even normal, for an artist. “You have a responsibility to make sure your language is clear”, he says on the audio commentary of his new show at the Royal Academy of Arts – and it’s that aspect of this latest survey that’s makes it a powerful, thought-provoking testimony of his life and work.

I spent last Friday afternoon checking it out with a friend. It was frustratingly crowded, which I guess is to be expected with blockbuster shows like this one – but once we dodged the school groups and the selfie sticks, we got the chance to appreciate pieces he created over the past 20 years (including some new ones, specifically for RA). He’s very good at corrupting traditions to make a case for human rights and creative freedom – and though it’s occasionally cheeky and disturbing, it’s unequivocally sincere.

The show’s worth a visit and on until 13th December and you can find out more about it here. In the meantime, check out some of my snaps from my recent visit below:

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Louis Vuitton Series 3 exhibition arrives in style

Matilda — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 11:30:53 +0000

Louis Vuitton’s Series 3 exhibition presents the brand’s Fall 2015 collection (helmed by Nicolas Ghesquière) through artistic displays and the fashion photography of legends Juergen Teller and Bruce Weber. Housed at 150 The Strand, it’s free and open to the public from 21st September until 18th October. Book your guided visit here: http://vuitton.lv/1hxkMny

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Somewhere you should go… What Is Luxury? at the V&A

Matilda — Tue, 05 May 2015 10:30:56 +0000

Diamonds and pearls may be timeless symbols of a luxurious lifestyle, but this new Craft Council collaboration aims to show there’s more to luxury than you think. With over 100 objects included, like the 1760 Portuguese crown that blings with gold, rubies, emeralds and diamonds, there’s the obvious references to “Pleasure”, “Non-Essential” and “Opulence” with the appropriate items to match. But where the show gets interesting is when it makes a more somber statement, considering the luxury of “time”, “memory” and “resource” to be just as valid. Even “Privacy” (or the loss of it) gets a mention: one particular installation by TED Fellow Gabe Barcia-Columbio speculates about a future where personal data is so freely accessible, it can be bought from a vending machine.

There’s plenty of commentary made about a concept that’s become increasingly relevant as the 21st century rolls on – and the few artists who take it to task do it brilliantly. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing to be said about the eye-candy that features like Giovanni Corvaja‘s gold fleece cap or the Swarovski crystal-covered monkey by Studio Job, which are both extraordinary and impressive – but this exhibition earns it kudos by being fearless in facing certain truths about this day and age. On this occasion, leaving with more questions than answers is a very good thing.

On until 27th September. For more information visit the V&A website.

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Something you should see… Hello, My Name is Paul Smith

The Cultural Exposé — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 12:08:25 +0000

Those stripes. Quintessentially British and popping up in the most unexpected places, those stripes have long been associated with the witty and quirky world of British design. No, it’s not the stripes of the Union Jack. Instead, these stripes cover a rainbow of colours, but are still immediately identifiable around the world as the hallmark of designer Paul Smith. For over 40 years, the designer has been lovingly designing not only clothes but objects ranging from cars to water bottles, all while maintaining a close role in the global brand that shares his name.

To celebrate his long career, the Design Museum is mounting the elaborate exhibition Hello, My Name is Paul Smith. Curated along with the designer himself, this comprehensive look at his career will not just serve as an overview of what he has created, but also allow visitors into his creative process and commercial ventures. It will feature a recreation of his first store in Nottingham, only 3 square metres in size, as well as an installation of his present office, famous for its kooky features such as bikes, toys, book, and curiosities from around the world (including such things as a nativity scene made from peanuts by a Belgian fan and a box of spinning tops). Visitors will also get to step into a room dubbed “Inside Paul’s Head” that will transport them straight into the psyche of the humorous designer. (Words: Barbara Cole)

The exhibition will run from 15 November 2013 – 9 March 2014. For more info, visit: www.designmuseum.org/exhibitions/2013/paul-smith

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Something you should see… Go Hard or Go Home at the Rag Factory

The Cultural Exposé — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 10:05:32 +0000

For the past few weeks, Banksy has attempted to woo the good people of New York by unveiling exclusive works around the city. Tourists and fans have been loving the residency (dubbed Better Out than In) – but the NYPD and Major Michael Bloomberg? Not so much. They shut him down on Wednesday, reminding us that for all his fame and fortune, Banksy – along with his many successors – could easily be arrested for continuing to take the law into their own hands. But that’s precisely why we have such an affection for these rebels with a cause: by choosing the streets as their gallery, those unsanctioned works (as divisive as they might be) have made a significant contribution to the cultural conversation over the last 50s years, redefining the concept of fine art and the audiences who now pursue it. But what’s even more impressive is that they’ve gone beyond their own borders to make a statement on an international scale, and it’s this fact that’s celebrated in the forthcoming Go Hard or Go Home exhibition at the Rag Factory.

Pure Evil

Featuring a mix of established and new players, this show pays homage to this genre of contemporary art as well as the people who’ve proudly eschewed traditional art routes, coming from backgrounds such as rave, film, design, fashion and of course, graffiti. The 11 artists involved were picked by J Patrick Boyle, a Bristolian artist and curator – and he’s included infamous names such as Pure Evil, Sick Boy and Sweet Toof while you’ll get to see some of the exciting work from our favourite picks Coby Walsh, an illustrator from London and South Africa’s Nicci van P. There’s no question that these new works will be bold, innovative and further evidence of the appeal of urban art – so like a good Banksy, catch them if you can.

Go Hard or Go Home runs from October 31st to November 4th. For more info, visit: www.gohardorgohome.info

Cept

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