David R Darrow explain the basics on how to oil paint a portrait Continue reading Tutorial: oil portrait lesson by David R Darrow
Tutorial: oil portrait lesson by David R Darrow
Social Organisation of Appearances
“The concept of ‘the spectacle’ interrelates and explains a wide range of seemingly unconnected phenomena. The apparent diversities and contrasts of the phenomena stem from the social organisation of appearances, whose essential nature must itself be recognised. Considered in its own terms, the spectacle is an affirmation of appearances and an identification of all human social life with appearances. But a critique that grasps the spectacle’s essential character reveals it to be a visible negation of life – a negation that has taken on a visible form.”[1]
Guy Debord from Society of the Spectacle
I didn’t have to delve far into Guy Debord’s Society of the Spectacle to find what I was hoping to find. This quote by Debord states the nature of the spectacle as an affirmation of ‘appearance’, while a critical look at spectacle reveals the spectacle to be a ‘negation of life’. This is the very essence of what Edd Pearman explores in his work. “Duality has a strong influence throughout my work, each work maintains a two-fold characteristic in its content i.e. Humour and horror, life and death, hope and despair. All initially appear to embody one intention, yet possess in equal measure, opposite qualities,” says Edd.
Appearance is seductive – and deadly. Is that a hyperbolic statement for effect? Possibly, but think of all the little deaths you’ve experienced for the sake of appearance and you may find you agree with me.
Read more of our interview, False Together, for This ‘Me’ of Mine.
[1] Debord, Guy, Society of the Spectacle, trans. Ken Knabb, Rebel Press, London, pg.9
“Anthropology” a new show by Mark Powell at Hang Up gallery
Master of the biro drawing Mark Powell returns to Hang-Up Gallery in March with his new solo show Anthropology. The exhibition will feature an exclusive collection of original pen and ink drawings, as well as a selection of limited edition print releases in collaboration with London’s prestigious publisher Jealous Gallery.
Known internationally for his beautifully intricate biro drawings of the elderly and endangered species executed on found material, Powell is back with a fresh body of work that visually documents his recent travels from across the globe. By deeply immersing himself in new cultures and experiences Powell has expanded his visual vocabulary.
For the first time, Hang-Up will be revealing the artists new direction of still life objects. Vintage cameras, used typewriters and discarded leather boots hint at the untold stories of their forgotten owners, and remind us of the inevitability of time’s passing.
Artcrank – your bike is art
There is still time to go and see Artcrank “A poster party for bike people” in Hoxton where cycling is broken down into art under the form of posters. Yes you heard me you hipsters, this is the place YOU HAVE to be so hurry and enjoy illustrations from international artists such as Dark Star Brewing, Pista Collective, Lezyne and Otesha Project UK to feature bike-inspired poster art by UK artists.
Admission is free, and limited edition, signed and numbered copies of all posters will be available for £30 each. We have included some pf our favorite posters below
What – Artcrank “A poster party for bike people”
Where – Plain Wall Projects in Hoxton | 2A Corsham St Shoreditch, London Borough of Hackney, London N1 6DP, UK
When – 7 till 14th September 2012
Literal-eyes at London Miles
London Miles is proud to present an all-new group exhibition that takes a closer look at the content found inside the dusty book covers of iconic written works by great literary masters from across all generations. Literal-eyes concentrates specifically at the ways in which great writers have inspired this hand selected group of young and emerging European artists to be the painters they are today.
London Miles will be looking into the depths of the artist’s psyche; their individual artwork will reveal their way of thinking which maybe totally disparate to how we visualize the same text. This comparison will be explored individually by the viewer and will allow great scope for various levels of interaction during the exhibition.To mark this special exhibition, London Miles will be taking over a white wall gallery space in East London, an exciting pop up space divided onto two floors and over 1000 sq ft; situated off Brick lane.
When
Opening reception: Thursday, May 12th 2011. 6pm to 11pm.
Exhibition on show: May 13th to May 16th 2011
Where
65 Hanbury Street | EI 5JP (LONDON MILES GOES EAST!)
The Lock Up II (Behind Bars) at Red Bull studios
I had the chance to make the first Lock Up and really enjoyed the diversity and quality of the works I saw that day from Goldie, Nick Walker and others. Another similar group show is upon us – Lock UpII (Behind Bars) held at the Red Bull studios, which will give us an insight of the latest pieces from renowned urban artists such as Dan Baldwin, Pam Glew, Goldie or Chris Bracey.
Chris Bracey, a pioneer in making neons, created some of the first ever neons including some for Stanley Kubrick films. View the interview he gave to Art-Pie in 2010
Dan Baldwin shall again give his fans bold colour and abstract forms while Pam Glew’s iconic portraits on bleached national flags recently fetched $20.000 at an aucti0n will surely be worth the visit to the galler. For those keen on street art installations, K-Guy will be of choice, FinDAC’s stencils should also draw your attention.
David Whittaker’s new paintings are most definitely the most exciting aspect of this show. Ambiguity, calm, storm, hopes and fears, loads of feelings get on the canvases and certainly make David Whittaker’s pieces the most interesting and deeper works of art in this show.
When
Private view: 17th November. Show runs: 18th -27th November 2011.
Where
Red Bull Studios, 155-171 Tooley Street, London SE1 2JP. Nearest Tube London Bridge
Street art by Ben Eine
Ben Eine has been back in London and we could not hope better than seeing a new piece enhancing some wall in London.
This time you can see his work on the wall of the London Graphic center on Mercer street, London.
It reads :
Oranges and Lemons say the Bells of St Clements
Pancakes and Fritters say the Bells of St peters
Two sticks and an Apple say the Bells of Whitechapel
When I grow rich say the Bells of Shoreditch
Kelsey Brookes at The Outsiders
Kelsey Brookes has reinvented psychedelic art for the 21st Century for his UK debut exhibition.
His latest body of work consists of large scale canvases, with paintings of animals, bold geometric shapes and kaleidoscopic abstraction, which is unusually inspired by migranes.
The powerful affliction is often associated with not only visual hallucinations but all other ‘synaesthetic’ experiences (the interpretation of one sense as another, for instance ‘hearing’ colour). The geometric lines and colours come directly from the hallucinogenic experiences just before the headache.
The work is impulsive, extravagant and spontaneous, an echo of the spirit.
Words from The Outsiders website
Artist: Kelsey Brookes
Location: The Outsiders – London
Dates: Friday 4th of November 2011 to Saturday 26th of November 2011
Artists pick from the 2012 London art fair – part1
If there is one art fair I have been and do not want to miss from now on, is the London Art Fair (LAF). Why is that? Just simply because it presents over 100 galleries featuring the great names of 20th century British art and exceptional contemporary work from leading figures and emerging talent.
Added to that, there are always a bunch of solo shows and curated group displays in the Art Projects section and even a showcase for contemporary photography. You’ll have understood by now, the LAF is my Thorpe park as a kid; always eager to go and never willing to go home once in it.
Here below is our artist pick (part 1) | Read part 2 | Read part 3
Sarah Hardcare via Paul Stolper
Habd pulled, four colour photo silk screen print on 300 gsm Caneletto paper
Thomas Allen via Foley gallery (left) | Shaun Doyle and Mally Mallinson via Paul Stolper
Chromogenic print (left) | Cast bronze (right)
Tom Ormond via Charlie Smith
Oil on linen
Rob and Nick Carter via Fine Art Society
Paint pigment photographs
Matthew Redford via Agnew’s gallery (left) | Paul Wright via Thompson’s gallery (right)
Oil on canvas (left) | Oil on canvas (right)
Carla Melegari via Thompson’s gallery
Oil on canvas
Cameron Gray via Sims Reed gallery
Photocollage
CRASH: homage to JG Ballard at Gagosian gallery
You could not say no to an exhibition where you would get to see pieces from artists such as Andy Warhol and Ed Ruscha without having to hop between venues across town, well you do not have to do that anymore – CRASH: homage to JG Ballard is that exhibition. Go now.
Ed Ruscha, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, big names on the menu as well as a good bunch of younger artists Glenn Brown or Jenny Saville. You look at the leaflet handed over to you earlier by the very friendly staff at Gagosian and you just do not know where to start.
Adam Mc Ewen’s Boeing 747 undercarriage ‘Honda Teen Facial’ in the entrance looks like it fell through the roof and sets the tone of what this exhibition will be about – provocative as was JG Ballard’s literature. Another large scale piece which immediately draws your attention is Richard Prince’s car model made of steel, plywood and Bondo. You look up and right there hing up on the wall is ‘Explosion’ by Roy Lichtenstein. Big names, big works. Continue reading CRASH: homage to JG Ballard at Gagosian gallery