Geographies of Print
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| Victoria Arney - collection of graphics |
After sharing my review from Rob Birch's preview in Leytonstone's Stone Space Gallery a couple of months ago, I returned to this elegant window-based exhibition room in East London every month for a new show.
October in Stone Space was dedicated to minimalistic black and white prints by an art collective Geographies of Print, including Victoria Ahrens, Carol Wyss and Vicky Arney. It was a pleasure to meet these highly accomplished ladies during the preview and chat about their process over a glass of wine. Working with traditional printmaking techniques, they create far from conventional pieces.
The exhibition's centrepiece was a nostalgic graphic by Victoria Arney depicting a sonographic recording of birdsongs. It was produced by a scientific apparatus and turned into an appealing collection of prints pinned up on the wall.
Arney's work reminded me of Paul Klee, and the phenomenon of synesthesia, where one sense is perceived through another. Artists diagnosed with this neurological condition were known for creating particularly recognisable paintings, illustrating music in a form of abstract configurations.
Carol Wyss built a mini installation in the gallery corner out of black and white paper cylinders resembling a burned down forest or a fallen down city. Her second piece was a mobile paper cutout in a shape of a dandelion. When you looked closer, you could see a collage of human bones.
Carol's works reflect the topics of death and rebirth in art and one's personal life. The pieces have some hidden energy and radiate strength and perseverance. Presented immaculately, they make a lasting impression.
In her work, Vicky Ahrens drives her energy and inspiration from geology. At the exhibition, the artist presented graphics of caves and shorelines made in the original, distant and hard to get to locations around the world with the use of materials and techniques available on the spot. During a short conversation, she told me about her fascination with volcanos, caves and the meaning of those in our language and symbols. Ahrens also mentioned how the Geographies of Print collective came to life, inspiring me with her enthusiasm and dedication.
The exhibition "Without Horizons, Without Shore" struck me as personal and very well presented. As always, the preview in Stone Space was delightful and captivating.
Agnes Prygiel, London 22.12.2021