Michael Corridore and London’s New Photography Fair
The ambitious upcoming international photography fair, Photo London, has attracted a lot of attention.
By Libby Russell
Michael Corridore - Transient, The think line we walk
The ambitious upcoming international photography fair, Photo London, has attracted a lot of attention. According to co-director of the fair, Michael Benson it aspires to be “The best photography fair in the world - bar none.” Proposing to mirror the impact of Frieze, it aims to transform London’s photography audience, to attract people less likely to attend a photography fair, in a climate where, Benson believes, photography is finally being noticed after previous years of it’s significance being underappreciated. With all the hype, it has a lot to live up to and it’s set to meet expectations with exhibiting artists like Michael Corridore working recently with Galerie Pavlova.
Angry Black Snake (2004-2012) is perhaps Corridore’s most recognised work in recent years. The photography series shows people fighting through clouds of sand and dust, shielding their eyes. Without context the viewer could assume something very different from what was being documented; audiences of outdoor events like racing. These scenes instead seem dystopian and post-apocalyptic. This work inverts the gaze and focuses on the spectator rather then what they’re watching, perhaps reappropriating them as objects, which in turn implicates viewers of the work themselves in the same contemplation.
Michael Corridore - Transient, The think line we walk
Earlier this year Corridore exhibited in Frühlings Salon, Galerie Pavlova and now is back exhibiting at Photo London 2015 with the work ‘Transient - The thin line we walk’, an experimental photo series presenting abstracted images of densely populated urban landscapes from an elevated viewpoint. This is a stark shift from his previous focus on deserted and barren areas but it brings us back to peoples collision with their environment. It presents to the audience the issue of ‘humans’ indiscriminate imprint’, making us confront our impact on our environment, illustrating our negligence and imposed ownership upon it. The act of creating the final image has involved many steps of abstracting the original photo. This process of distancing and simplifying questions, Does a photograph become less a documentation of a moment as it becomes less recognizable?
The widely anticipated Photo London is held at Somerset House from 21-24 May 2015. With talk of selfie stick aerobics classes over at Tate Modern, this fair promises to be as focused on the worth of concept driven photography as much as selling work, keeping up with evolving contemporary institutional practices and inviting in new and curious audiences.
How Art can lend a helping hand
Art can act as many things. As catharsis. As investment. As expression. As experience. Combining these, art can thus produce the formula to benefit those that are less fortunate.
Photo by James Rowbowtham
Art can act as many things. As catharsis. As investment. As expression. As experience. Combining these, art can thus produce the formula to benefit those that are less fortunate.
And those that are less fortunate include disabled people. Research conducted by Dr. Margaret Taylor in 2005 found that art was instrumental to the identity-forming process of disabled people. She concluded that art was a method of empowerment for young disabled people because it allowed them to have a sense of fulfilment by addressing ‘negative and oppressive perceptions of disability via their artwork.’
There are a plethora of disabled people who use art as a channel for self-expression. So much so that disability in the arts is breaking into the mainstream – we need look no further than the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square, London.
From 2005-2007 we saw Alison Lapper Pregnant by Marc Quinn – a marble sculpture of the ever-intrepid disabled artist Alison Lapper, who is herself a spokesperson for the empowerment and autonomy of disabled people. This piece was so well received that Marc Quinn was commissioned to remake the sculpture on a grander scale for the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics. And from 2010-2012 we also saw Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle by Yinka Shonibare – the British-Nigerian conceptual artist who suffers from a disability that renders half of his body paralysed. But that does not mar his talent – in spite of his disability, he was nominated for the Turner Prize for his Double Dutch exhibition in 2004.
And Dr. Taylor’s findings lend intuitive appeal to the growing field of art therapy. Combining psychotherapy with art – it is a tool that can be used to help not only disabled people, but one that is designed to tackle other social issues too. Dr. Sarah Deaver, the President of American Art Therapy Association defines art therapy as:
‘A mental health profession in which an art therapist facilitates the client's use of art media and the creative process to reach a number of treatment goals or personal goals such as exploring feelings, reconciling conflicts, improving self awareness, behaviour management, social skills.’
The method works on the very simple principle of allowing individuals to express themselves non-verbally. It avoids the defences and social desirability biases that are naturally prevalent in verbal therapy. A person would be hesitant to vocalise exactly how they feel – but art therapy (as Dr. Deaver puts it) ‘bypasses this’ as a ‘rich avenue for self-expression.
There are several galleries and organisations that are structured around helping some of these less fortunate individuals. Shape Arts, a disability-led arts organisation aims to empower disabled people through their holistic mission – by including disabled people within the arts sector and encouraging them to have an influential role in to too. Conquest Art, a charity with a similar mission that uses art groups to help disabled people ‘regain confidence in their abilities and to find happiness through self-expression.’
The Free Space Gallery as well as the London Art Therapy Centre both promote well-being via the arts, utilizing the effective method of art therapy to showcase the work of artists that would otherwise be under-represented. PIP online helps adults with learning disabilities on a range of different services – of which include the arts.
There seems to be a recurring theme of promoting self-expression. When one is given the freedom to communicate emotion through art – they are given the means to not only address their own personal issues, but to also gain the confidence to tackle them. Art is beautified through its inclusivity. It will not degrade or demean those with social issues but serve as a sanctuary for them. And with the numerous organisations that provide them with support, it seems that the future certainly looks brighter.
6 picks: our Photo London favourites
SELL: Photo London is back with up to 70 exhibitors. We’ve chosen our six favourite galleries we think you should check out at Somerset House this May
Photo London is back with up to 70 exhibitors. We’ve chosen our six favourite galleries we think you should check out at Somerset House this May.
Image © Samuel Hicks, Llamas Chile
Crane Kalman Gallery – Brighton
The independent British photography gallery, Crane Kalman Gallery puts the best, young and local talent on their walls. Along with some of contemporary photography’s brightest stars, it is fast becoming a place where buying, and even collecting photography is possible due to their affordable prices. Associated to the Crane Kalman Gallery, London, it has been one of the leading galleries to showcase the work of modern British painters, such as Henry Moore, for the past 45 years.
Harry Cory Wright-Plate VIII. The Coast, 2015-C print. 58 x 71 in / 148 x 180 cm (edition of 3). 32 1/2 x 39 in / 83 x 100 cm (edition of 7)
Eleven Fine Art – London
Founded in 2005 by Charlie Phillips - who was formerly the founding director of Haunch of Venison - and Laura Lopes, Eleven Fine Art runs its smooth operation from its permanent space in Belgravia, with pop up galleries throughout London. Eleven Fine Art is dedicated to exhibiting the best faces of international contemporary art. With a range of art by both well established, and emerging artists, the gallery also acts as an art advisory service.
Image courtesy of Eleven, London
Ismaïl Bahri | Eclipses, vidéo, 4/3, 4 mn, 2013
Galerie Les Filles du Calvaire – Paris
With more than half of its represented artists being photographers, Galerie Les Filles du Calvaire has truly committed to the contemporary photography scene. Launched in Paris in 1996 by art collector, Stephane Maghan, and artistic director, Christine Ollier, the gallery’s programme comprises three divisions. Fine-art photography dealing with the problematic of the image and notions of subject, the field of the abstract and figurative painting, and multidisciplinary works involving installation and video.
The Haas Brothers, Grace Tall stool and Dolph Tall stool from the Beast series (2013)
Black Icelandic Sheepskin and three cast bronze long legs; White Icelandic Sheepskin and four cast bronze long legs
34h x 18w x 15d in; 27.5h x 18w x 18d in
Kasher I Potamkin – New York
A hybrid between two well-established gallery names, Steven Kasher (Steven Kasher Gallery) and Andi Potamkin (Three Squares Studio), presents handcrafted, rare objects and unique works of art and design. As a ‘boutique-meets-gallery’, the 1,100-sqaure-foot space situates its works of art in an intimate, cosy, home-like environment, essentially exploring the connection on how to integrate art and life. Aesthetics and craftsmanship are the key elements Kasher and Potamkin look for when sourcing artists to represent.
Novye Mytischi, Suburbs of Moscow, Russia, 2010 | From the series: Pastoral | Archival pigment print 90 x 108cm Edition of 5 + 2 AP
The Wapping Project Bankside – London
Specialising in photography, film and video, The Wapping Project Bankside gallery represents a small group of international fine art photographers born after 1970. All the photographers work with the film medium, creating work with challenging subject matters. The gallery has also showcased the works of late Lillian Bassman and Deborah Turbeville, the fine art work of Susan Meiselas and the fashion photography of Paolo Roversi.
"Temple 54", 2015, pigment print, 122.5 x 156.1 cm ©Thomas Demand, VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn / JASPAR, Tokyo
Taka Ishii Gallery – New York/Paris/Tokyo
First opened in 1994, with an exhibition devoted to exploring the conceptual foundations and implications of contemporary photographic and graphic practice. The gallery now has spaces in Tokyo, New york and Paris, and has since exhibited and published works of contemporary established Japanese and foreign artists, while still supporting the development of younger, emerging artists.
Somerset House, from 21-24 May 2015
Abstract Creations: Robert Sosner at John Marchant Gallery
Brighton’s John Marchant Gallery presents Robert Sosner’s new works; entitled SOS, the exhibition is characterised by bold use of colour and bright abstract shapes in the artist’s usual style.
Brighton’s John Marchant Gallery presents Robert Sosner’s new works; entitled SOS, the exhibition is characterised by bold use of colour and bright abstract shapes in the artist’s usual style.
Working with canvas and paper, Sosner paints thoughtful and eye catching compositions, playfully leading the viewer’s eye across his works. His creations are enriched by varying textures sometimes visible beneath the paint, with some works also hinting at the artistic process through the inclusion of alternative colours in the final piece.
Sosner invites viewers to engage and experience his paintings subjectively, aiming to add a little magic to everyday life:
“Overt narrative is avoided and I invite the viewer to find their own way in to each painting to experience something powerful, intangible and at the same time meditative, when looking at the work.”
Born in London, Sosner studied at the Chelsea School of Fine Art attaining a BA Hons in Fine Art – he has since exhibited widely in London, while also working on commission in a variety of private and commercial projects.
Sosner has been the recipient of Pollock Krasner Foundation and Spanish Government scholarships. He currently lives and works in Brighton.
SOS
New paintings by Robert Sosner | John Marchant Gallery | 28th March - 12th April
Hayden Kays on The Top Ten
Hayden is a visual artist who splices together witty wordplay with carefully chosen found photographs, often subverting the meaning of both.
Hayden is a visual artist who splices together witty wordplay with carefully chosen found photographs, often subverting the meaning of both. Not one to be tied to just one medium, Hayden also works with sculpture, drawing, and printmaking.
His new show ‘The Top Ten’ at Cob Galley Camden, is a collection of the ten most popular artworks from his successful typewriter series, and will tour around the world this summer.
BM – Why did you decide to re-curate the typewriter series into this new show?
HK – I was getting loads of enquiries about the same works again and again in ‘The Hot One Hundred’ and not wanting to keep producing the A4 versions it seemed logical to produce larger print editions of the most popular and some of my personal favorites.
BM – Your work masks a poignant message under a veil of comedy. Why do you think this contrast is necessary to deliver your message?
HK – I don’t think it’s crucial. I just fucking love laughing. I have an extreme sense of humour; it’s virtually a disability. I find EVERYTHING funny. I wish I had control over it, I’m envious of people who can control laughter but I think they are few and far between, this is another reason I love to use humour in my work – laughter is convulsive, you don’t decide what to laugh at. You laugh, then you worry about whether or not you should have later.
BM – You identify yourself as a ‘Pop Artist’, when most pop art is vacuous. You seem to have a deeper ideology than just making money. Why do you identify with Pop Art so much?
HK – I think I’m becoming more and more of a ‘Pop Artist’ in the sense that my work is becoming more and more popular. Popularity is important to me. I want my work to be liked. Find me an artist that doesn’t and I’ll show you a liar.
BM – Do you believe in a high art/ low art distinction, and where would you place yourself?
HK – I believe it’s either Art or it isn’t Art, and unfortunately I see ‘it isn’t Art’ by far too many people that call themselves artists.
BM – Why do you think that you often get grouped amongst the ‘street artists’, despite doing very little work outside?
HK – Because people don’t know where to put me. We are all obsessed with compartmentalising everything, everyone, it helps us attempt to understand these terrifying surroundings.
BM – As a lot of your work is humorous, does that mean that it is fun to make, or can it be stressful at times?
HK – There is a common misconception that artists are just having a great time splashing paint around a lofty studio, smoking roll-ups and shagging loads of girls. I just smoke the roll-ups.
BM – How much of what you do is hyperbole?
HK – You can take my work however you like, just as long as you take it.
BM – Sometimes it’s hard to tell who it is you’re making fun of in your work, the subject of the piece or the viewer, or even society as a whole, is this intentional?
HK – I don’t want to make work that's instantly or easily resolved. Questions that you answer, you tend to move on and away from. I want you to keep coming back to me.
BM – A lot of your work is text and found imagery based, how do you collate your ideas. Do you sketch or is your sketchbook full of lists?
HK – I have piles and piles of sketchbooks full of ideas. I hope when I’m dead they’ll slowly all come to life as I’ll never find the time to make them all exist in my lifetime.
BM – Do you believe an artist should have to explain their work, or is it the public’s role to decipher it?
HK- I don’t think art should have to be explained. It should be simple. Ask yourself do I like this? If you do, you do, if you don’t you don’t. You shouldn’t make it much harder.
The Top Ten opens on the 2nd of April 2015 at Cob Gallery Camden | Hayden Kays
Ben Oakley Gallery to exhibit at the London Affordable Art Fair
The Ben Oakley Gallery is showing off its artists at the London Affordable Art Fair. The gallery, which specialises in unique, one off contemporary art works, limited edition prints and fine art, will be showcasing its carefully selected pieces at the fair in Battersea this March.
The Ben Oakley Gallery is showing off its artists at the London Affordable Art Fair. The gallery, which specialises in unique, one off contemporary art works, limited edition prints and fine art, will be showcasing its carefully selected pieces at the fair in Battersea this March.
The team will be taking some of their Ben Oakley charm to the show space by installing a replica of the gallery to the project space in front of the venue. They promise 1940s wallpaper, a large collection of curiosities and a selection of paintings by artists such as, John McCarthy, David Bray, Matteo Giuntini Bobby Tonge, Jo Peel, Ray Richardson and, of course, Ben Oakley.
Originally opened in 1999 by Will Ramasay, The London Affordable Art Fair aims to make art as fun, accessible and affordable as possible. With 112 galleries showcasing an array of unique artworks from over 1,100 artists this year, there will be something for everyone.
With work from the much-anticipated Project Space Collective, Ben Oakley Gallery and the Come Fly With Me exhibition, the fair is set to be both interactive and inventive. A creative hub for creative minds, they invite visitors to fall in love with art and most importantly, become an art collector.
What started as one venue and 10,000 visitors has now evolved into an international phenomenon, the Affordable Art Fair now runs in cities such as Amsterdam, New York and Milan, to name a few. With over 1.6 million people walking through the fair’s doors, it has undoubtedly made its stamp on the art world.
The Ben Oakley team will be at the fair from the 11th till the 15th of March
Don’t Ask Why - Ask Y Not?
International Women’s Day may have just passed, but Sweet ‘Art and London’s Espacio Gallery are keeping femininity at the forefront with their upcoming aid exhibition Y Not?
International Women’s Day may have just passed, but Sweet ‘Art and London’s Espacio Gallery are keeping femininity at the forefront with their upcoming aid exhibition Y Not?
Exploring everything from femininity to feminine identity and women’s day, the event will focus on the female form, gender identity, feminist issues, social and political issues and constructs, personal accounts, and perspectives.
Contributing artists, regardless of what gender they identify with, have been invited to celebrate, critique, challenge, ridicule and reflect notions of femininity in our society and internationally.
Launched in 2012, Sweet ‘Art are a non-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion of upcoming and established artists; they will be partnering up with Lensational, a creative organisation involved in the emotional and economic empowerment of women through the provision of photography training and equipment.
Also partnered are The LMP Gallery, set to host a parallel show across the pond in Austin, Texas - the two spaces will be exchanging 5 artworks to exhibit during the show run in a display of international solidarity and connectedness.
The private view will take place on Thursday 2 April from 6-9pm, and promises to be an evening of thought provoking fun with welcome cocktails courtesy of Courvoisier along with the usual Sweet ‘Art freebies and surprises!
Y Not?
Espacio Gallery
31 March - 5 April 2015
Private View: Thursday 2 April 6-9pm