Alon Zakaim Fine Art open the highly anticipated exhibition “Art Through Time: Contemporary Reflections”, curated by contemporary art specialist Virginia Damtsa.
The exhibition will open tomorrow Wednesday, April 3rd and run through to May 31st, 2024, and aims to captivate the public with its thought-provoking juxtaposition of contemporary and modern artworks, inviting the public to witness the evolution of art through time.
This exhibition showcases an exceptional selection of established contemporary and modern artists, each contributing their unique perspectives to the artistic conversation. Among this dynamic list of artists, we find Michael Craig-Martin, widely regarded as the father of contemporary conceptual art and a prominent figure in the development of the YBA movement. Martin’s response to a vibrant work on paper by American sculptor Alexander Calder shows how kinetic and geometric shapes transform everyday objects.
YBA artist Gavin Turk will exhibit his new series of still-life paintings, depicting today’s quotidian product packaging as a response to the painting “Nature Morte avec bouteille de porto” (1921) by Polish painter Henri Hayden.
Another highlight of the exhibition is Turner Prize winner Keith Tyson, whose artistic philosophy rejects the notion of a fixed self or a singular artistic style. Tyson engages with the works of Robert Matta, an influential figure in 20th-century Abstract Expressionism and Surrealism from Chile. This encounter between two visionary artists promises to ignite new possibilities and challenge traditional artistic boundaries.
Danish artist Tal R, renowned for his flamboyant and direct painting style, which effortlessly bridges the realms of high art and childlike simplicity, finds an intriguing counterpart in the revered Jewish artist of the twentieth century: Marc Chagall. Tal R’s sophisticated yet naive approach bears resemblances to the works found within Chagall’s iconic oeuvre
Renowned British painter Richard Wathen, known for his fictional portraits that evoke ambiguity, mystery, and a sense of melancholia, responds to the enigmatic works of Belgian surrealist artist Paul Delvaux. This encounter between two distinct artistic visions invites viewers into a world of introspection and contemplation.
Chinese artist Wen Wu, whose paintings draw inspiration from literature and Asian culture, responds to the painting by the Italian 19th century artist Vittorio Reggianini. Both explore similar themes of exploration, wisdom and elegance.
The exhibition also features the vibrant and playful sculptural works of Egyptian-born British sculptor Sam Shendi, who responds to an iconic Mother and Child: Petal Skirt sculpture by Henry Moore. Shendi’s semi-abstracted style and bold use of colour injects a fresh perspective into Moore’s timeless masterpiece.
British contemporary artist Wolfe von Lenkiewicz skillfully navigates the intersection of traditional oil painting and cutting-edge technological innovations in response to the work “La Cueillette des Fruits” (c1095) of famous french Impressionist artist Pierre-August Renoir.
Emma Bennett, a contemporary artist whose work delves into the themes of time, transience, and fragmented memory, engages with the artistry of Salvador Dalí while Zavier Ellis, whose works are informed by historical events and belief systems responds to Pablo Picasso.
Born in London to Chinese parents, contemporary multimedia artist Gordon Cheung blurs the lines between virtual and tangible reality, delving into existential questions about identity, belonging, and territory. Similarly, Tsuguharu Foujita, born in Japan and later a French citizen, also explores these same notions. Despite working in different centuries, both artists grapple with these timeless questions in their respective bodies of work. The exhibition also showcases the groundbreaking digital art of multi-media and creative technologist Scott Eaton, responding to the spiritually charged sculptures of Spanish
artist Jaume Plensa. Eaton’s innovative approach merges technology and art, creating a dialogue between the digital and tactile realms.
“Art Through Time: Contemporary Reflections” emphasizes the significance of contemporary art in today’s world and celebrates the evolution of artistic expression. While contemporary artists explore similar subject matters as their predecessors, they introduce new realities, sensibilities, and colour palettes. This exhibition serves as a lens to humanity through art, reminding us that while the past informs our present, we have made substantial progress, learned invaluable lessons, and now inhabit distinct realities.
Curated by Contemporary Art expert, curator and art dealer Virginia Damtsa. The opening
is on the evening of the 3rd April from 6-8pm.
Art Through Time: Contemporary Reflections, April 3rd to May 31st, 2024, Alon Zakaim Fine Art
About
With a wealth of experience spanning twenty-seven years, Virginia Damtsa, Director of VVA Virginia Visual Arts Ltd., stands as a seasoned and respected Art Dealer, Art Gallerist, Curator, and Artist Agent, bringing a unique and invaluable perspective to the art world. Damtsa’s passion for the arts began at a young age when she helped her uncle open the Museum of Alekos K. Damtsa in The Art Centre Giorgio de Chirico at just sixteen years old. She went on to pursue History of Arts in Cambridge followed by two master’s degrees in art management at the University of the Arts and Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s, where she honed her expertise in the field.
Throughout her career, Damtsa has curated several exhibitions in her personal gallery space, as well as in other galleries and pop-up spaces. From 2003-2017, she co-owned Riflemaker London with composer and writer Tot Taylor, a contemporary art gallery housed in a historic gunmaker’s workshop off Regent Street. Built in 1712, it is one of the oldest public buildings in the West End of London. In addition to her work as a gallerist and curator, Damtsa has also lectured at Christie’s for the Master’s degree in Art, Law, and Business. Damtsa counts Nick Rhodes from Duran Duran and Michael Seresin, cinematographer of Harry Potter, amongst her collectors. Annie Lennox has also been a long- standing enthusiast of the gallery’s representation of visionary powerful artists.
Damtsa has curated several exhibitions with emerging and established artists such as Martin Kippenberger and Maria Papadimitriou, Judy Chicago, Takis, Yoko Ono, William S. Burroughs, Liliane Lijn, Penelope Slinger, Gavin Turk, Alice Anderson, Chris Levine, Christopher Bucklow, John Maeda, Julie Verhoeven, Ralph Ziman, Conrad Shawcross, Wolfe von Lenkiewicz and many others. She also worked with legendary musician Peter Gabriel and his team for an amazing collaboration of art and music bringing artists such as Ai Weiwei, Cornelia Parker, Judy Chicago, Nick Cave, Olafur Eliasson, Tomas Saraceno, Barthelemy Toguo, Annette Messager, Tim Spriggs, for an impressive immersive exhibition live and online. The album reached number one in the UK.
Damtsa curates over twenty exhibitions per year and uses several exhibition spaces in Fitzrovia, Marylebone, Mayfair, Notting Hill and other galleries to showcase her artists’ works. She actively participates in art fairs and collaborates with other galleries to create connections and sales between artists, galleries, major collectors, and museums. With her extensive experience, vast network of connections, and in-depth knowledge of the arts and the art world, Virginia Damtsa continues to make a significant contribution to the contemporary art scene, empowering artists to achieve their full potential and bringing their works to new audiences.
