listings

Category: Art

Is it For Now by Adam Hayes.

The Current is a group exhibition coinciding with the 10th Birthday of Bristol based Soma Gallery, and brings together the work of five contemporary graphic artists. Adam Bridgland, Matthew Green, Adam Hayes, Lucy Gough and Jessica Wilson have all exhibited widely throughout the UK and internationally and have completed major commissions for clients such as Nike, Uniqlo, the Guardian and You Tube. They are also held in a number of important collections like the Victoria and Albert and the British Museum. The Current is an exciting, fresh and vibrant exhibition showcasing recent works, including a number specially launched for this show.

Adam Hayes
Adam Hayes is a specialist in hand-rendered typography and intricate, intelligent illustration. His prolific work style has generated an impressive portfolio that reflects an interest in vernacular lettering and a fascination with urban and natural landscapes. Adam’s creative process see’s his simple pencil sketches transformed and refined into elaborate and optimistic illustration. Each project is concept-driven, allowing his work to grow and maintain a sense of energy and sophistication. A graduate of the Royal College of Art, Adam has since established a diverse client base which welcomes collaboration with global companies, charitable organisations and small, local start-ups.

Spin 1 by Adam Bridgland.

Adam Bridgland
Born in 1979, Adam Bridgland studied printmaking at Norwich School of Art & Design and then studied at the Royal College of Art (MA Fine Art Printmaking). Since graduating in 2006, Bridgland has used a diverse range of materials and working methods to pursue an incisive and often witty exploration of distinctively British sentiments, externalising the underlying sense of loss and nostalgia that permeates our memories.

Hut by Matthew Green.

Matthew Green
Matthew Green excels in producing beautifully hand-drawn illustrations, his signature style is often compared to wood-cut prints and etchings. Beyond this craftsmanship and at the heart of all of Matthew’s work lies an enormous sense of fun. He creates worlds and moments where fantasy can meet the most mundane; from a voyeuristic zebra who resides in an old wooden shed to a glamorous blue tit dining for one.

Balloon Fiesta by Lucy Gough.

Lucy Gough
Lucy Gough studied Creative & Cultural Studies at Norwich School of Art and since graduating in 2002 has exhibited extensively throughout the UK and beyond. Lucy’s most recent work draws inspiration from a variety of sources including architecture, industry and the solar system. The stylised representation of everyday objects and use of hand drawn type are recurrent themes in her artistic practice. The content of the text varies in its sentiment from poetic to purposeful to playfully ironic.

Great Britain by Jess Wilson.

Jess Wilson
Jess Wilson graduated in 2006 and has been living and working in London ever since. Graduating from university with a 1st degree honours in Graphic design she started straight away getting her illustration work out there. Jess has worked with top clients producing big jobs for magazines, clothing ranges, prints, books and packaging. As well as working with clients Jess tries to get involved in as many exhibitions as possible and carrying out self initiated projects.

Opening times: Monday: Closed, Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00am – 5:30pm, Sunday: Closed. Visit Soma Gallery online here.

Category: Art

Atomica Gallery presents Metamorphosis, the debut solo exhibition from the London-based Tasmanian artist and illustrator Nick Sheehy.

Metamorphosis is a collection of graphite and watercolour works on paper exploring change, death and imagination. Sheehy’s subjects include his signature double skull characters, animal skeletons and the dead awakened by courses of coloured, ribbon-like energy streaming through their static forms. His fantastical characters are the results of cathartic and meditative drawings, documenting the emotional state of a person whose life is in a period of flux.

Sheehy has already exhibited in group shows worldwide and his work has been featured in art publications such as Creative Review, Tiny Pencil and NoBrow.

Everyone is invited to the opening reception on Thursday 12th June at Atomica Gallery, 6-9pm. Join the Facebook event or rsvp@atomicagallery.com.

Category: Art

Illuminations is an exhibition of textual art showcasing the work of 21 international artists at the Black and Blue Gallery. Initially inspired by the poetry and illustrations of William Blake, the exhibition explores the volatile boundary between image and text and the haunting quality of their interplay.

JULIUS KALAMARZ: Philosophy of the Revolution

Headlining the show are the artists Robert Montgomery and Julius Kalamarz. Perhaps best known for his public billboards and light pieces, Robert’s work engages with 21st century consumerism through romantic and political poetry. The proactive and engaging quality of his words has gained considerable social media exposure, with messages such as The People You Love Become Ghosts Inside Of You And Like This You Keep Them Alive. Julius works primarily in mixed media and cultivates an experimental, tactile and open-hearted style. He seeks to ‘make strange’ the content of everyday language and imagery through its de-contectualization. This often culminates in collage-like pieces which bring up a new or enhanced meaning from within the fractures and fissures of the original message.

EVELIN KASIKOV: Exuberance Is Beauty.

The labyrinthine Crypt Gallery acts as the ideal setting for an exhibition that takes the viewer on a journey through photography, painting, sculpture, paper-cuts and textiles among others. A different understanding and exposition of the interaction between text and image awaits around every corner.

KERRY O'CONNOR: Weekend Wife.

Accompanying the work of the 21 artists are pieces by six UK based typographers who have created typographical works directly inspired by Blake’s poem The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, a modern homage to his groundbreaking visual spirit.

LINDENBERG MONROE: Words Into The Void.

Opening Times: Thursday 6pm-9pm (Private View, All Welcome), Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-6pm

Category: Art

Look closely, can you spot the gnomes having coffee and cake? Or the mermaid, mountain trolls and the huldra – a beautiful woman with a cow’s tail? Can you see the clusters of mushrooms and flowers and birds? It’s all there.

The whole of Fika will be transformed to an urban forest where you can go Hidden Folk spotting. Illustrations by Emma Farrarons will be dotted around all the walls with captivating detail. For those who are not well versed in Scandinavian geography, a playful map will help you find your bearings. It would come as no surprise that even the Scandi gnomes have style! You are invited to peer inside the home of a Scandinavian gnome – The cross-section view of the tree trunk apartment is obviously furnished with iconic and minimalist Nordic designs.

Here’s a sneaky peek of the illustrator at work. She's also a contributor to Amelia's Magazine, aren't we lucky?!

Fika has been inspired by Emma’s work and thus the menu for Hidden Folk has been designed to ‘trick and tease’ the mind. You will have the chance to try black truffle potatoes, purple carrots, elk burgers and magical cocktails with dill and smoke. A visit to Fika this summer will be a sensory explosion, so why not drop in next time you are in Brick Lane?

Opening times: 12.00-23.00 (Mon-Thursday), 12 – 00 (Friday), 10 – 00 (Saturday), 10 – 23 (Sunday)

Twitter: @EmmaFarrarons @Fika_london #Hiddenfolk

Category: Art

The Intrigue Emporium team invites Amelia's Magazine readers to the launch of a brand new seasonal designer maker craft showcase at Shoreditch Town Hall on Sunday 22nd of June. There will be fun for all with around 50 hand selected British designers and makers showing their outrageously creative wares; funky photobooths; a cupcake bar and many other fantastic surprises. If you can't wait for the day, check out some of the designers exhibiting below.

Esoteric London

Madame Chalet.

Ruby Bazaar.

Rodology.

The Future Heirlooms Boutique.

Remy Dubibe.

My Rosie Lee.

For more information visit www.intrigue-emporium.com or join the Facebook event here.

Opening times: 11.30am – 5.30pm
Free entry (donations welcome) Open to all ages

Category: Art

Arse Flowers in Bloom, 2010.

Born in 1959 in Cape Town in South Africa, Ansel Krut studied Fine Art at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (1979-1982) and ascribes much of the unsettling imagery in his paintings to growing up in Apartheid in South Africa. Krut’s painting focuses around subverting still life by linking objects to create improbable, playful and often dark human forms. His grotesque and provocative inventions, drawing on paradoxes, vaudeville and peep show, are poised between absurdity and moral criticism.

Mussels, 2012.

Verbatim, staged by Jerwood Gallery Hastings this May, will be the largest exhibition of his work to date, including new pieces exclusive to the exhibition, as well as paintings which haven’t been seen before in the UK. Click here for more information and find out more about Ansel Krut on his agent’s website here.

Thuggish Houses, 2012.

All images courtesy of Modern Art.
Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday 11am-5pm, Saturday- Sunday 11am-6pm, Closed Mondays (with the exception of Bank Holiday Mondays and during East Sussex school holidays)

Giants of Modernism #2 (Carrot Head), 2009.

Category: Art

Call Me is a degree show exhibiting the work of the 2014 Illustration Animation graduates of Kingston University. ‘We want to meet everyone, and treat everyone to our eclectic spread of visual, sculptural and interactive solutions.’ Kingston always put on a particularly strong display when the graduate shows come around (read some of my previous reviews here) so I'm really looking forward to this one… and you could be there too! Here's a taster:

Call Me- Kingston University Illustration Animation Degree Show from Chloe Winn on Vimeo.

'Roofless' Jessica Tickle

'Soporific Tips to Enhance Smile Goo' Jack Smith

'Pick a Pen' Carmel Attia

This show is the culmination of a three year course, in which, through making, critiquing and resolving, the students have tackled industry briefs, competed in national and international competitions, woven narratives and explored new concepts and ideas.

'One Hundred Years of Solitude' Jooyoung Ryu

'My Darling' a film by Matt King and Imogen Woolley

Under the banner of Illustration Animation, the Call Me is comprised of prints, paintings, graphic novels, children’s books, zines, apps, contraptions, animations, cartoons, games, reportage, furniture, music videos, crockery, concertinas, lampshades, flipbooks, puppets, packaging, portfolios and much much more. The walls of Dalston Department Store in Hackney will be filled with all of these, and a cinema will showcase the best of the course’s animation.

'King of the Jungle' a film by Jac Clinch

'Jungle Tumble' Nicola Kinnear

Call Me is an important opportunity for the students to both reveal their work to the public, but also to make contact and forge connections with professionals and future colleagues, hence the rather cheeky name.

'Have a Glass of Water' Dale Crosby Close

'Disconnect' a film by Doug Hindson

There really is something for everyone, so whatever you do, whoever you are, it's not one to miss!

'Anticipation' Luisa Crosbie

Private view: Thursday 12th June, 6.30pm
Public View: Friday 13th June – Sunday 15th June
Opening times: 11am- 7pm

Category: Art

The AOI presents The Illustrator's Guide to Business, an essential course for all illustrators hoping to succeed professionally, with talks from eight different speakers covering all aspects of the industry. There will also be the chance to network with peers and industry experts, as well as receive 20% discount on entry price into Pick Me Up, the graphic arts festival held at Somerset House from 24 April – 5 May. The speakers are as follows:

Fig Taylor
Fi is currently Portfolio Consultant for the AOI and advertising charity, NABS. In the past she has run her own agency, Fig 1. She subsequently worked for four agencies including CIA. She also lectures on professional practice for illustrators internationally and at art institutions across the UK.

James Louis
James is currently Business Education & Support Team at HM Revenue and Customs. He has worked for the HMRC for over 25 years providing advice and education from small business and individuals.

Derek Brazell 
Derek is Director for visual arts of the British Copyright Council and a member of the Design and Artists Copyright Society’s Creators Council. He's currently AOI Projects Manager and has illustrated for magazines, design work and a string of successful picture books for children. His latest book Understanding Illustration was co-authored with Jo Davies and is available now.

Matthew Shearer
Matthew provides advice and support to AOI members as AOI Membership Manager. This can include anything regarding pricing, ethics, contracts and professional practise.

Victoria Pearce
Victoria is currently Senior Agent at Illustration Ltd. Prior to working as an illustration agent Victoria has worked in fashion photography as an agent as well as a stills producer.

Alex Jenkins
Alex has a background in Graphic Design, Illustration and Character Animation. He is the Creative Director of B-Reel London. Projects range from digital branding, interactive to 360 campaigns, games to interactive stories, apps and installations. He has won several awards and continues to deliver talks and workshops for conferences and learning institutions.

Alex Mathers
Alex is an Illustrator and Writer, he specialises in digital vector maps and landscapes. He runs an online platform called Ape on the Moon which showcases work from various illustrators as well as a site run for creatives focusing on building influence, called Red Lemon Club.

Anna Steinberg
Anna practises as freelance Illustrator and has worked for seven years as a part time member of staff on the AOI membership desk. She also lectures on professional practise at various universities.

All images by Tim Ellis. Ticket prices: Non Members £60 per day, £110 for both days, Students, AOI & SCWBI Members £50, £90 for both days. Purchase tickets here.

Category: Art

Two intriguing urban artists showcase their new work at the Well Hung Gallery in Hoxton.

Tom Bingle, aka Inkie has emerged as one of the most prolific graffiti writers in the the UK and has painted with some of the most notorious artists on the scene including Banksy, Nick Walker and Massive Attack’s 3D. Inkie’s art is characterised by a unique collaboration of graffiti and figurative imagery. His style ‘Ink Nouveau’ draws on art nouveau influences with an urban twist. Portraits of woman are usually accompanied by poignant words or phrases; faces are understated, almost anime and are framed with his iconic, stylised flowing hair.

Otto Schade or ‘Osch’ is a Chilean-German artist, architect and urban sculptor has been influenced by abstract and surrealist art. The themes behind his compositions use iconic symbolism, with a sharp, ironic touch. Otto’s paintings are characterised by ribbons, which are painted meticulously in layers to produce his imagery. Otto has exhibited his work around the world (Chile, Berlin, Moscow, New York, Amsterdam & London). You can see also see his work on the streets Shoreditch.

*** STOP PRESS*** The exhibition has been extended and you are invited to the closing party on Thursday 7th August when the gallery will be offering free prints for the first 10 people through the doors and great deals on any remaining work on show. There will also be Limited edition prints of the Otto Schade 'Golden Steam' print on sale at half price for only £45.

Opening times: Mon-Fri: 9.30am-6pm, Sat: 10am-7pm, Sun: Closed
Private view: Thursday 3rd July 6-9pm, please RSVP to info@wellhung.co.uk

Category: Art

In a new exhibition at the High House Gallery a duck attacks the lens, a dog snarls at the camera and a frog lies dead in the road. In his own truly unique way Giacomo Brunelli photographs animals unlike any other photographer today. In place of candid photographs taken with long lenses – usually the result of hours of patient waiting – Brunelli instead records his animal subjects by approaching them provocatively and from unusual angles – often very close up. He often works in the early morning to exploit the low light, shadow and contrast. Locations are backyards, streets, small villages, fields and farms. 

He entitles this juxtaposition of styles 'animal focused street photography'. Working entirely in analogue format with a 1960's Miranda Sensomat 35mm camera his practice includes the meticulous hand printing of his photographs as limited editions. Most recently, Brunelli was commissioned by The Photographers Gallery to create a series entitled Eternal London. Using his distinct film-noir style he created a unique and evocative view of the capital and its famous landmarks.

More information:
Giacomo Brunelli is an Italian artist who first studied photography on a short course, after having graduated from a degree in international communications. He was the winner of awards such as the Magenta ‘‘Flash Forward 2009’’, Toronto, Canada, the Sony World Photography Award in 2007 and the Winner of Grand Prix of Fotofestival, Poland in 2007. Brunelli currently resides and works in London.

High House Gallery was founded in 2011 by Martin Jenner and situated within a grade II listed Victorian mansion and recently-restored formal gardens located in the Oxfordshire village of Clanfield. The gallery promotes only the best in critically- engaged contemporary art, with an innovative exhibition programme features both solo and curated group exhibitions from an international roster of gallery and invited artists.

Opening times: Thursday – Sunday 12am – 6pm
Evening preview: Thursday 24th April, 6 to 8pm. Artist present.