Art Travelling London – ‘Matter’ Curated by Jo Dennis

MATTER: Anna Blom, William Cobbing, Jo Dennis, Sophie Goodchild, David Hepher, Nicola Hicks, Henry Hussey, Pia Ortuño, Maria Positano, Catriona Robertson, Richard Smith, Melania Toma, Lorenzo Vitturi

This exhibition at Flowers Gallery Kingsland Road features various works united not by theme or artist identity, but by their lavishly tangible, haptic qualities. Curated exceptionally well by the participating artist Jo Dennis, the show focuses on materiality. Each work involves a unique – and often startling – selection, manipulation or transformation of materials that produce specific meaning or communication. Each artwork involves a unique and often surprising selection, manipulation, or transformation of materials, resulting in works that possess specific meanings and communicate in their own distinct ways.

Although not purely formalist, each piece in the show is articulate in its self-expression. The exhibition primarily focuses on the joy of texture and sheer materiality, allowing viewers to experience a bodily pleasure in the objects and their composition.

The title of the show, ‘Matter,’ signifies the diverse range of materials used, including paint, glass, clay, wood, cement, textile, plaster, straw, pigment, and found objects. These materials, with their hybrid nature, translation potential, and tactile characteristics, bridge the physical and conceptual realms. They invite touch, yet their inherent tactility makes touch almost redundant, as the eye alone can grasp their essence.

One notable artwork is Jo Dennis’s piece “The Daughter,” a redundant tarpaulin that has been hung, draped, and painted until it resembles a luxurious robe fit for a queen. Its tactile allure eliminates the need for physical caresses. Another captivating work is Henry Hussey’s pair of black glass pieces titled “Helmet” and “Untitled (Hand).” These delicate and dark creations possess a lushly necronomic quality reminiscent of obsidian talsimans and scrying mirrors.

For those familiar with some of the artists, it is intriguing to see them brought together in this exhibition. A prime example is David Hepher, known for his urban paintings that incorporate concrete with paint on canvas. When seen collectively, his works can evoke an eerie and oppressive atmosphere. However, in this group show, his piece “The Windows on the Brandon Estate” takes on a more playful and dialogic quality, particularly when juxtaposed with Catriona Robertson’s freestanding sculptures, as seen below.

Additionally, Nicola Hicks’s piece, “Fishing Under the Bridge,” (top) defies expectations. Renowned for her exceptional depictions of animal forms that retain an underlying beastly essence, Hicks presents a stunning plaster sculpture that plays with size and dimension. It possesses a mythic, dreamlike quality reminiscent of tales from Aesop’s fables.

Other standout pieces include Maria Positano’s lavishly gorgeous artworks, (above, Beetle Shield in Green) which suggest costumes and props suitable for a production like “The Witcher” (a compliment!) Intricately crafted with surprising materials and breathtaking effects, they captivate the imagination. Another highlight is Anna Blom’s two abstract paintings, “Haemorrhage” and “Structural Failure.” Despite being the quietest pieces in the show, they emerge as personal favorites. Blom’s use of acrylic, raw pigment, and the enigmatic “situational debris” yields subtly mesmerizing visuals that leave a lasting impact on viewers – on em, certainly! It is safe to say that these paintings are not only incredible investments but also sources of enduring enjoyment.

Finally, Melania Toma’s bright, energetic Dusk/Mercy is another riotous conquest of physicality. Proving – as does the show as a whole – that Matter matters. It is just such a pleasure to look at! In an era awash with screens and pixellated flatness, spending time with so much bursting, tactile materiality is a voluptuous delight!

*all photos in this post by The Art Traveller. Images may not be used without permission. Please apply to Flowers Gallery for permissions and more information.