Exhibition Review – Amalgamation

Amalgamation showcases an exploration by 8 artists of the mythological, futuristic and imagined relationship between animals and humans. Significantly this theme has been a continuous source of artistic, literary and musical inspiration for civilisation throughout the centuries.  Judging from the reactions witnessed and comments overheard, Amalgamation is no exception to View’s continuous efforts to display art which connects emotionally with the viewer. Through these diverse artists, environmental, emotional, sentimental and arguably frightening concepts all combined to weave a web to captivate its audience.

Providing immediate impact were the eye-catching works placed in the window. Beth Carter’s Buck Rabbit, an intriguing jesmonite sculpture and Cedric Laquieze’s Fairy 1 intended and succeeded to grab our attention. One of the most arresting qualities of these enchanting creations were their colours. Buck Rabbit’s pure, bright white contrasted wonderfully with the glistening and vibrant jewel like qualities of Laquieze’s fairy.

Once through the doors, the viewer was seduced by Diggy’s array of energetic colour. Her animated style was showcased marvellously by 5 paintings. Unsurprisingly it was her expressive brushwork that particularly absorbed us as it brought her intriguing characters to life before our eyes. The longer spent experiencing her work the more the shapes and forms seem to appear, disappear and combine.

Placed amongst Diggy’s paintings were 3 more of Cedric Laquieze’s fairies. Despite being made from actual insect parts, these curious creatures have an almost futurist and mechanical appearance.  To stand before them enabled the viewers to fully appreciate the intricate detail and technical skill of this innovative artist.

Into the back room, Adele Underwood engages you with a somewhat sensitive concept: burgeoning sexuality. She symbolised the difficulty and confusion that we all contend with during adolescence through the inclusion of animal masks and faces within her images. Significantly a predominant topic of conversation throughout the evening was the unnerving eyes of her figures, particularly Court Dwarf, as they seemed to follow you around the room, watching your every move.

Conversely, providing Amalgamation with a deeply ethical content was Sharon Bishop’s multi-disciplinary images. The message behind these works is the issue of environmental damage due to constant property development. Mankind’s destruction of wildlife’s natural habitat is disturbingly conveyed through Sharon’s awkward positioning of her animals within urban environments. The most fascinating response to her art during the event was that her black and white palette made this message ever more poignant for the viewer.

John Simpson’s images also explore the relationship between the human figure and animal form with a distinctive style. Simultaneously unnerving and enchanting his favoured medium, the monotype, results in visually arresting images in both technique and content.

Louis Masai Michel’s series, A Tale of Unfortunate Sins provided a wonderful opportunity for viewers to engage their imaginations.  Without knowledge of the narrative behind these vintage photographs, one might see them as humorous and entertaining. Essentially they depict animal heads on human bodies. Although familiarity with the stories behind them: twisted tales entwined with murder and curses, reveal a deeper, potentially darker substance.

Whilst an explosion of colour could be witnessed on the top floor, the ground floor provided a rather contrasting experience with works by Mr Mead and Beth Carter.

Mr Mead’s ink and pen otherworldly creations provoked and displayed a terrifying side to Amalgamation. The visitors found that Mead’s fascination and preoccupation with terror shone through with The Child Collector. Looming over the staircase, this enormous black and white pen drawing transported you back to the world of childhood nightmares. With his morbid stare, unnerving stance and empty cage, a brooding presence was created.

Beth Carter’s intriguing instillation for Amalgamation excited comment and stimulated one of the most enjoyable and amusing aspects of the private view. Namely, overhearing the diverse stories people conjured up for her magical creatures and even inspiring some guests to create darkly animalistic speaking voices for some of her pieces! It certainly was, however, a clear indication of how easy and enjoyable it is, as always, to spend hours staring at and discussing Beth’s unique vision.

Brimming with stories, fairytales and issues common to all humanity, the longer spent amongst Amalgamation, the more fulfilling an experience it becomes.