Zara Hussain in the Rugby Art Gallery

Reinventing Geometric Art

Zara Hussain's panel at "Light Upon Light" exhibition in Rugby Gallery

Zara Hussain's "Light Upon Light" exhibition combines two worlds: contemporary minimalism and contemplative symbolism. Inspired by Islamic tradition, she constructs her three-dimensional geometric panels upon a regular shape of a 15th-century Iranian ornament. The artworks represent unity and balance in creation, bringing to mind Bridget Riley's op art.

Rugby Art Gallery & Museum is one of the places which is very close to my heart. After coming to the United Kingdom from Poland over a decade ago, Rugby was my first town of residence. I was invited to and shown around the exhibition by Sally Godden - Rugby Gallery and Museum’s Arts Development Officer.

Rugby Art Gallery has gone through many changes in recent years, transforming into a relevant landmark on the map of Warwickshire, representing current trends and contemporary artists on an international level. 

Apart from the curated exhibitions, the gallery owns a private collection of paintings, with L. S. Lowry, Richard Hamilton and Lucian Freud among the authors.

On the 27th of November, a new exciting exhibition is coming to the gallery, gathering the works of 18 professional artists, designers, and photographers worldwide who use LEGO® bricks as their medium and inspiration.

Admission to all the exhibitions is free.

https://www.ragm.co.uk/brick-by-brick

https://www.ragm.co.uk/zarah-hussain-light-upon-light

Rob Birch in the Stone Space Gallery

I Know Kung Fu

Rob Birch "I Know Kung Fu"

Over the last couple of years, I passed by The Stone Space Gallery in Leytonstone many times, never having an opportunity to look inside. That changed last Friday when I attended the "I Know Kung Fu" exhibition preview by Rob Birch.

Inspired by the quote from "Matrix", Birch reflects on the issue of manipulated reality and freedom in Western society. His works consists of digitally modified graphics influenced by classical painting. The author uses a traditional portrait format, altering the area around the character's face, forcing us to look beyond the facade. 

With the dictatorship of social media, scrutiny of CCTV monitoring, intrusive advertising and distorted politics, free choice seems to be a slipping away privilege rather than our actual status. Birch encourages us to reject what is superficial and look deeper to find true answers and meaning.

"I Know Kung Fu" exhibition by Rob Birch

It was a splendid evening, with Rob Birch present in the gallery and the Stone Space team providing professional support. Experiencing art in person after so many months of the lockdown was a unique privilege.

www.robbirch.com

stonespace.gallery

Frieze Sculpture Exhibition

Colossal Pineapple & Environmental Awareness

"Frieze Sculpture" outdoor exhibition in Regent’s Park showcases three-dimensional installations by the world's most acclaimed contemporary artists. It touches upon climate, national beliefs and human conflicts. 

Rose Wylie's "Pineapple" 2020

As a cartoonist, I am particularly attracted to artworks that emanate colour and humour. Rose Wylie's playful "Pineapple" sculpture drew my attention straight away. 

Associating a simple object with a more significant meaning, the artist uses a popular fruit as a point of reference in her reflection on the social changes in the 20th century. Like pineapples - once a symbol of luxury - many privileges reserved to the rich are now commonly available. The perception of class differences shifted, and things out of our limits became attainable through time.

 

Anne Moris' "Stack 9 Ultramarine Blue" 2021

Although "Stack 9 Ultramarine Blue" radiates positivity, it is inspired by a traumatic event of the artist's miscarriage. Anne Morris created a truly magical piece out of the darkness of her misfortune. Resembling beads strung on a thread by a child, the artwork plays with proportions, vibrant colours and textures. Tragic personal experience has been a catalyst for a work that appears so carefree and accessible. It is a strong female voice on the contemporary art scene. 

Tatiana Wolska in front of her environmental sculpture

One of the artists presenting her work at the exhibition is Polish-born Tatiana Wolska, with whom I share the country of origin. Working with recycled materials, the artist focuses on environmental awareness. Using thermal welding and piercing to reshape plastic, she creates organic forms from rejected materials.

We use 1.5 billion water bottles globally every day. Rather than dismissing plastic as banal, the artist transforms it into new shapes. Suspended among the branches of an oak tree, her structures look meaningful and poetic.

 

Gisela Colon's "Quantum Shift" 2021, Stoyan Decher's "Even Horizon" 2019, Carlos Cruz-Diez' "Environment de Transchromie Circulaire" 1965-2017

More information about each piece in the form of an audio talk is available on the Frieze Festival's website. Frieze Sculpture free exhibition is open till the end of October 2021.

https://www.frieze.com/audio-guide-frieze-sculpture-2021