October in Stone Space Gallery

Geographies of Print 

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' installation and a paper mobile

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. 

Prints by Vicky Ahrens

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

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

Independent Cinema in London

Female Bodybuilders & Guerrilla Filmmakers

Scene from "Pumping Iron II: The Women" from 1985

Organised by the Radiant Circus as part of the Leytonstone Loves Film festival, supported by Barbican, the Wunder Kammer Live talk created a fantastic opportunity to discuss London's alternative screen culture. Speakers from Tape Collective, Zodiac Film Club, Twelve30 Collective and Club De Femmes gathered together in Filly Brook Pub to discuss independent films. 

I was unaware of how many initiatives in London supported alternative cinema and was very impressed to learn about their work and achievements. It was a unique opportunity to meet like-minded people and find out about their input in the cinema culture. 

Zodiac Film Club and Twelve30 Collective are independent initiatives gathering funds to screen underappreciated masterpieces lost in the mainstream culture due to the lack of promotion.

Club De Femmes aims at rediscovering archetypes in film, looking for women in influential roles. Thanks to their efforts, the 1985 iconic production "Pumping Iron II" about female bodybuilders has been reintroduced to the broader audience. 

Tape Collective supports DIY filmmakers, raising funds to support collaborative projects and independent screenings. Giving the voice to the directors from mixed-heritage backgrounds, they organised an open call for scripts "Where are you from?" and funded the production of the winning short. Going beyond the facade of stereotypes and clichés, they created a platform for personal stories from culturally diverse environments.

John Waters' "Cecil B. Demented" surprise projection about radical guerrilla filmmakers was a satisfying ending to this nurturing evening. I am looking forward to another event like that!

Scene from the movie "Cecil B. Demented"

"Wunder Kammer: Crisis?" zine about the revival of the alternative screen culture during the lockdown