Vyner Street in East London has a few galleries that take part in the monthly First Thursday late opening. This is a great chance to see contemporary art at a convenient time and meet the artists.
This month artist-run space Cultivate celebrated its third birthday with a group show. Work by literary pair Quiet British Accent is on view along with pieces by several other artists, including painted LPs by Sean Worrall. Julia Maddison’s No Thank You cards were my favourite.
Over the road at the Vyner Street Gallery the artist Arcane Sin has a new show entitled Pretty. 14 mixed media works based on photographs of bare breasted women hang on the walls, each surrounded by a temporary painted frame. Each subject has been painted to some extent before being photographed. The photographs have been further decorated with paint and what looks like actual make up, obliterating their faces and questioning the point of make up in society.
At Degree Art Caroline Piteira investigates the ceremonial dress of the Household Guards. Uselessly military, in any action these brightly dressed men in silly hats would be shot before their shining shoes had hit the ground. Piteira’s gold leaf and ink drawings mark out their bearskins and instruments whilst wilder charcoal and pastel pieces imagine women wearing the uniforms. We’re back to the half naked.
LimeWharf is showing new work by David Holah. Founder of Bodymap fashion label Holah’s pieces include self-indulgent layered sewn works, printmaking and decoration. Here you also pick up a preview of Serious Fun zine, launching next month.
Dog Eared has opened at Machines Room, a show by Stephanie Evelyn Blundell (no, not blind eel, thanks for the suggestion phone). Dog Eared was originally a journey through the bins of her university and she has used the same method of creating works here. The walls show the remnants and traces of making. The cast off, thrown away given pride of place. A nice idea.
More details of the First Thursday late night art evenings in East London.
Leave a Reply