If I’m out on my own then I can look at you is group show of new work by three artists from the 4Walls Collective. Working with drawing, collage and man-made materials that mimic natural textures and surfaces, the artists have intentionally produced works that seek to explore notions of the self in society, image and facades. The title takes its name from a lyric in Dizzee Rascal’s song ‘Dance Wiv Me’, the video of which was filmed at Notting Hill Arts Club.
Through abstract drawing Annelie Fawke’s practice explores ideas of hiding personal opinions, reflections and obsessions by codifying and obscuring them. In a quest to test her hesitance to expose herself, the artist has chosen to work directly onto the wall’s surface in some areas of the exhibition. Her immediate thoughts whilst in the space will be disguised when they are then drawn into shapes on the wall, and erased forever when the exhibition is removed.
Ellie Nicholls draws on a wide range of source imagery to create her paintings and collages. The typically beautiful woman featured in Face In Profile is based on a clipping from a popular magazine. By obscuring the face’s features behind a layer of frosted paper the woman’s identity is rendered inscrutable and elusive. Other works are based on commercial window displays and specific arrangements found within domestic settings. Artificial wood and marble print are often used to explore the duplicitous nature of image making and material.
Marie Smith’s current body of work deals with the complexities of identity. Smith investigates the modern meaning of self by deconstructing images and quotations using various mediums including photography, text based work and sculpture. 29 Dreads is inspired by an incident from the artist’s childhood. The unnervingly long dreadlock creeping its way over the wall’s surface demarcates the ‘skin’ of the space, and makes a strong commentary on the extent people will go to present a false image of themselves, often to adhere to common representations.
Notting Hill Arts Club 21 Notting Hill Gate London W11 3JQ
