December in the Stone Space

3-Dimensional Graffiti 

Lewis Davidson's Exhibition

Lewis Davidson “Tags”

    I first came across Lewis Davidson's artworks in November 2021 during his solo exhibition  in the Stone Space Gallery in East London. He presented a collection of graffiti tags sprayed on various surfaces such as doors, concrete slabs and wooden fencing, cut out of the original backgrounds. Displayed in a pristine surrounding of a white showroom, they resembled abstract sculptures. 

    The change of scenery resulted in a different perception of street art. Depending on the angle, images usually restricted to an urban landscape gained a new context, moving the viewers' imagination in a new way.

    I am particularly fond of street art because of its connection with everyday life and people. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself on the line while creating an artwork in the public space, risking being arrested by the police for vandalism, ready to pay the price for making a wall or a fence your own exhibition room.

Lewis Davidson “Combis”

    Davidson has got more exciting projects in his portfolio. Combis is a collection of colourful and playful ready-made sculptures constructed from tiny scraps of plastic found by the artist on the pavement. 

    Connecting with the legacy of Irving Penn, who found beauty and meaning in rejected pieces of consumerism, Lewis forms a dialogue within the texture of contemporary art. There is a link between his practice, works of Marcel Duchamp and early installations by Damien Hirst - projects "8 Pans" and "Boxes" from 1987-88.

    Davidson's ability to present his works in a professional exhibition environment is impressive. He forms an exciting narrative, reflecting on the relationship between an object and its' audience. I will be looking forward to his future projects, following his promising career with enthusiasm.

    Links: https://www.lewis-davidson.com

Agnes Prygiel, London, 20.01.2022

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