On a typical blurry gray London day it only seemed natural to catch the opening of ‘In Between’ now currently on view at Skarstedt gallery at 23 Old Bond street in Mayfair. Showing until 31st of August, the content of this particular exhibition is a thematic show where established artists such as David Hammons, Agnes Martin, Adam Mcewen, Albert oehlen and Gerard Richter’s works address the condition of grey and it’s material qualities.
A smaller gallery on the second floor of an older, yet elegant building overlooking some of London’s most fashionable streets, provides for an interesting and normally overlooked perspective of the colour grey where these works are juxtaposed amongst the space’s pure white walls and oak hardwood floors awakening feelings of comforting disillusionment.
A few of my favourite pieces include:
David Hammons Untitled piece( 2006).
I was gravitated towards this work, particularly for it’s entrancing smoky effect and also by the unique way in which it was NOT hung directly on the wall, but rather placed on a massive grey rock encased in a brilliant bronze frame. Never seen such a grand piece executed in this way before- how cool?!
Albert Oeheln’s Titanium Cat with laboratory tested animal (1999)
A massive oil painting which entrances the viewer and vividly swallows observers trapped thoughts while allusively demonstrating the essence of how beautiful the colour grey can truly inspire productive and creative outputs- as oppose to hinder as this colour is sometimes known to do.
Gerard Richter’s one of two pieces featured- Stanbild (1968)
An interesting medium sized diptych which captures an aerial view from an anonymous rooftop, linking Richter’s now past observations to the rooftop view from which it is now currently placed in the show—rooftops and grey skies- oh London how I love to hate you!
I highly recommend this show for people who wish to be intrigued by celebrated artist’s rendition of what it means to allow the colour gray to encapsulate through the medium of creative artistic expression. One of the most cleverly, yet stunningly simply curated shows I have witnessed in London in a good while. Awaken your lovely grayness and check this show out!
For more info on the Skarstedt Gallery in London
Or for their gallery in New York
For more info on the participating artists:
Also, some cool critical perspectives on the colour grey in art
What is the colour grey exactly?
Images courtesy of: Skarstedt Gallery
Words VC Maurer
