| If
I'm out on my own then I can look at you is group show
of new work by three artists from the 4Walls Collective.
Working with drawing, collage and man-made materials that mimic
natural textures and surfaces, the artists have intentionally produced
works that seek to explore notions of the self in society, image
and facades. The title takes its name from a lyric in Dizzee Rascal’s
song ‘Dance Wiv Me’, the video of which was filmed at
Notting Hill Arts Club.
Through
abstract drawing Annelie Fawke’s practice
explores ideas of hiding personal opinions, reflections and obsessions
by codifying and obscuring them. In a quest to test her hesitance
to expose herself, the artist has chosen to work directly onto the
wall’s surface in some areas of the exhibition. Her immediate
thoughts whilst in the space will be disguised when they are then
drawn into shapes on the wall, and erased forever when the exhibition
is removed.
Ellie
Nicholls draws on a wide range of source imagery to create
her paintings and collages. The typically beautiful woman featured
in Face In Profile is based on a clipping from a popular magazine.
By obscuring the face’s features behind a layer of frosted
paper the woman’s identity is rendered inscrutable and elusive.
Other works are based on commercial window displays and specific
arrangements found within domestic settings. Artificial wood and
marble print are often used to explore the duplicitous nature of
image making and material.
Marie
Smith’s current body of work deals with the complexities
of identity. Smith investigates the modern meaning of self by deconstructing
images and quotations using various mediums including photography,
text based work and sculpture. 29 Dreads is inspired by an incident
from the artist’s childhood. The unnervingly long dreadlock
creeping its way over the wall’s surface demarcates the ‘skin’
of the space, and makes a strong commentary on the extent people
will go to present a false image of themselves, often to adhere
to common representations.
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