Custodianship was the word that came to mind when visiting this show by Charmaine Watkiss at Tiwani Contemporary. My photos only give a hint of these delicate graphite and watercolour drawings. The guardians and keepers of plant knowledge have traditionally been women, something Charmaine has knowledge of, both historically and from her mother’s family in […]
One-minute blog of interesting things
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As a working contemporary artist I visit many exhibitions and shows, but sometimes it is the things I see that are part of daily life that capture my interest. My one-minute blog of interesting things reflects the fact that although we are increasingly time-poor, there is creativity all around us.
Franko B at New Art Projects
Cross My Heart at New Art Projects was the first time I have seen Franko B‘s work in real life. Comprised mainly of ceramics this is an emotionally-charged experience. I know his performance work seen on video and was surprised and moved by the power in these objects. While it’s useful to know something of […]
The Wallace Collection in London
Why has it taken me so long to return to this treasure trove? The Wallace Collection is basically a stately home bang in the centre of London, mind-boggling in its extravagance. And it’s free to visit! I came across a silverware tinker below a pair of 16th century leather shoes (in perfect condition) before sauntering […]
Fay Ballard – In Circles at Handel Street Projects.
Circles play such an important role in my visual vocabulary that I was keen to visit this show at Handel Street Projects. Fay Ballard‘s practice is based on drawing and making these circles is, for her, meditation. It is also apparent to the viewer, being quiet, contemplative pieces. Looking closely you see the slight irregularities […]
Noguchi at The Barbican Gallery
“Everything was sculpture. Any material, any idea without hindrance born into space, I considered sculpture”. So thought Isamu Noguchi and is something this comprehensive retrospective exhibition at the Barbican gallery aims to convey. How do you compress a life’s work into a one-minute blog? I can’t so will just show a few photos of objects […]
Shilpa Gupta at Barbican Curve
Sun at Night is the current exhibition at the Barbican Curve, the first solo show in London for Shilpa Gupta. A moving exploration of the abuse of human rights for writers and poets. Give yourself time when visiting as, although the pieces are small, their impact is powerful. Small sculptures and drawings line the walls, […]
Torkwase Dyson: A Liquid Place at Pace London
The second exhibition at the newly opened Pace Gallery on Hanover Square is this installation by Torkwase Dyson. I hadn’t come across her work before and was impressed by the monolithic quality of these sculptures. My photos are of the installation itself as I was unable to attend a performance. Rough painted textures contrast with […]
Mark Rothko at Pace Gallery, London
Pace Gallery opened their new space on Hanover Square with this exhibition, Mark Rothko 1968: Clearing Away. It’s a rare opportunity to see smaller, more intimate works on paper. Rothko specified that his work should be viewed at a distance of 18 inches (45cm). The gallery has laid down ridges on the floor at just […]
Theaster Gates: A Clay Sermon at Whitechapel Gallery
It’s a Theaster Gates fest in London beginning this autumn with the Whitechapel Gallery presenting A Clay Sermon while the V&A displays (Slight Intervention #5) then, in 2022, he will design the Serpentine Pavilion. This post deals with A Clay Sermon which covers 3 rooms. As ever, I can only share a few images here. […]
House for a Cellist – Open House London
You know all those little terraced houses we walk past? The ones that look the same throughout the street? Well, Open House lets us visit buildings of all types in London including private houses. I always volunteer to help over the September weekend as enjoy spending a few hours in places I would never normally […]
