The space at White Cube Bermondsey feels larger every time I visit. The occasion this time was for the Anslem Kiefer show, Walhalla. It was a cold damp day, perfectly suited to the dystopian world inside. Seeing healthy children in buggies or running about felt distinctly odd in this environment.Some work can, I think, come across […]
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. Email me at info@carolinebanks.co.uk with your name and email to receive a weekly post that only takes 1 minute to read.
Cara Mills at Fiumano Projects
Francesca at Fiumano Projects shows a wide range of art and these “machines” by RCA student Cara Mills were a case in point. The first was her painting machine where paint from short brushes was flicked onto the wall from a constantly revolving conveyor belt. The heavy viscous paint builds up over time encrusting the wall. The other machine, the Labour […]
Gibbons & Nicholas present Anita Groener at the London Art Fair.
First -time exhibitors at The London Art Fair, the Irish gallery Gibbons & Nicholas, was one of my favourite stands this year. Showing Citizen, a collection of work by Anita Groener exploring the issue of displacement.
Sculpture at Tate Britain
I came across a small collection of sculpture in the Duveen Galleries at Tate Britain on a recent visit and these pieces in particular moved me: Richard Wentworth’s 35°9,32°18 from 1985 Harbour by Alison Wilding in silicone and alabaster Photo courtesy of Loz Pycock As if to celebrate, I discovered a mountain blooming with red flowers, unmistakable early […]
The restored ballroom at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, Park Lane
Although it’s called the Sheraton Grand Park Lane, I always think of this hotel as being on Piccadilly as that’s where the entrance to the ballroom is. Recently restored as part of the full refurbishment by MKV Design, it’s one of those magical art deco places in London. Entering by the Silver Gallery… you then […]
Turner Prize exhibition at Tate Britain
I was interested to explore the Turner Prize exhibition at Tate Britain as this year I had caught up on a short BBC programme giving some knowledge of the artists beforehand which was really helpful. Out of the four artists shortlisted, the two who held my attention the most were Helen Marten (the eventual winner) […]
Traces at Fenton House, a National Trust property in Hampstead – 2 of 2
It almost became a game, not only learning the family’s story through documentation, but also spotting the contemporary interventions, way too many to list here. You could easily while away a half day poring over letters, looking through books and peering into cabinets in a densely conceived experience. Here is a shot of one of […]
Traces at Fenton House, a National Trust property in Hampstead – 1 of 2
Fenton House in Hampstead is a National Trust property in London. Walking up there doesn’t feel like being in a large city, especially on the foggy morning I visited. The occasion was to experience Lives, Loves and Loss, an immersive project by arts organisation Traces London involving artists, curators and designers exploring the lives of the […]
Drawings at the British Museum in room 90
The British Museum is a deservedly world class museum which I visit on a regular basis. A little-known area though is the Drawing Room, room 90, . Among the collection of over 2 million drawings and prints are examples as diverse as these pre-revolutionary portraits of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette by former writing master and […]
De Anima by Johan van Mullem at Unit London
Currently showing at Unit London in Soho, Johan van Mullen’s oil-based ink paintings are oddly compelling. His mark-making remains just this side of chaotic with a sense that things could, at any moment, go spiralling out of control yet, when you see the video of him at work, there is a strong sense of focus. Some works […]