Ashurst Emerging Artist Gallery Winter 2018 Exhibition
A group exhibition of selected artists from previous years' Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize Shortlist and Winners,
on display at Ashurst Emerging Artist Gallery, 15th Jan - 30th Mar 2018
In this exhibition, on show at the Ashurst Emerging Artist Gallery in London from 15th January to 30th March 2018, we revisit the work of previously shortlisted and winning artists from the 2015 and 2016 editions of the Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize. These artists have shown significant progress in their careers and their practice which builds on the success of the Ashurst Emerging Artist Initiative and the ethos of the Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize which focuses on highlighting early emerging artists and their potential.
The works on display have been created to explore a diverse range of ideas and themes from mythology to women’s rights and the experience of emotions in day to day life.
The Ashurst Emerging Artists initiative was launched in 2013, and the Prize shortly after in 2015, to support and mentor up and coming artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their work and gain support with their development. Since the launch, the Prize has seen a variety of artists working across different mediums successfully exhibit in the Ashurst Emerging Artists Gallery at the firm's London office, gaining exposure to a wide and varying audience.
Click on an artwork to check availability, or contact us at info@emergingartistgallery.com if you would like to visit the exhibition.
The works on display have been created to explore a diverse range of ideas and themes from mythology to women’s rights and the experience of emotions in day to day life.
The Ashurst Emerging Artists initiative was launched in 2013, and the Prize shortly after in 2015, to support and mentor up and coming artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their work and gain support with their development. Since the launch, the Prize has seen a variety of artists working across different mediums successfully exhibit in the Ashurst Emerging Artists Gallery at the firm's London office, gaining exposure to a wide and varying audience.
Click on an artwork to check availability, or contact us at info@emergingartistgallery.com if you would like to visit the exhibition.
Bob Aldous (Shortlist 2015) Kyveli Anastasiadi (Highly Commended 2016) Maryam Deyhim (Shortlist 2015, Highly Commended 2016) Stathis Dimitriadis (Shortlist 2016) Beatrice Haines (Shortlist 2016) |
The artists in this exhibition are:
Maureen Jordan (Sculpture Winner 2016) Brad Kenny (Shortlist 2016) Hermes Lucas (Shortlist 2016) John Macaulay (Shortlist 2016) Ana Maria Martinez (Shortlist 2016) Joonhong Min (Shortlist 2016) |
Sarah Nabarro (Shortlist 2015) Barbara Nati (Employee Choice Winner 2015)Alexandre Oliveira (Shortlist 2016) Junko O'Neill (Shortlist 2015) Matt Alexander Ray (Highly Commended 2015) Mirjam Siim (Winner 2016) Carol Tarn (Shortlist 2015) |
"Impossibilities is, in essence, a painting about absence. The painting uses the words In Absentia (a legal term created to refer to someone’s being absent) as a starting point for exploring absence as a thing in itself – something so significant, felt, or recognised, that it becomes a new kind of presence. It is as though something can never be truly absent, because, as soon as we are aware of absence, the absent thing, or person, becomes present in our consciousness, perhaps even more intensely than before. It is as though absence creates a new kind of presence. Absence is transformative – but is it ever really “absence”? The painting explores – through mark making, blank space and the contrasts between the two – the dilemma that is intrinsic to the concept “absence”.
The painting investigates absence as a construct – realised only in relation to presence – of the shape, form and materiality of something else. And it explores absence as a space into which we may project our own thoughts, feelings, longings, and desires. The painting therefore also poses the question – is it perhaps our nature to fill space with these – in which case is it in the absence of something that we learn most about ourselves?" - Sarah Nabarro |
Impossibilities
Sarah Nabarro 122 x 152cm Acrylic and Oil Paster on Canvas |
Fracanzan, Opulence, Halcyon
Junko O'Neill 100 x 60cm (each) Mixed Media on Panel |
"The abstract work conveys the fundamental concept of 'Ma' by stripping away any excess elements. I experiment with ways to depict space where time flows at a slower pace, detached from the rest not by a physical structure but by one’s own perception. I add translucency and depth to the two dimensional surface that are created. Similar to gem stones which encase time within them, I trap space and time, creating a tension that holds an underlying sense of calm.
My aim is to create, on the surface, space with a sense of time passing. I believe the work to provide a breathing space for the viewer and let them sense the transient nature space possesses." - Junko O'Neill |
"Just like water is amorphous, takes the shape of what contains it, flows and finds itself in movement or stillness, those paintings are representing those qualities not only in terms of their colour and form but also in the way they were made. They were made with the flow of a body's movement executing an anticlockwise motion, allowing the materials to find their own shape and form." - Kyveli Anastasiadi
|
Union Summer Series 1 & 2
Kyveli Anastasiadi 25 x 25cm (each) Acrylic on Paper |
Tombstones to Dead Bacteria 1 - 8
Beatrice Haines
30 x 30cm (each)
Graphite on Paper
Beatrice Haines
30 x 30cm (each)
Graphite on Paper
"The narratives in my artwork are underpinned by inspiration from my international relations and dispute resolution work. I pursue the reconciliation of tension and dynamics of social conflicts and this has led me to traverse diverse and dangerous regions of the world and capture the beauty within." - Hermes Lucas |
Godot
Hermes Lucas Photograph |
Cages of Tranquillity No.2
Barbara Nati 100 x 83cm Photograph |
"As almost all of the land above and below sea level has been explored, humans have anthropomorphized nature to the point of turning it into mere statistics, which are essential to the development of devices, nutrition plans and sports training. The unknown is neglected, or is rather, compartmentalized within the wider agenda, and thus easily dealt with." - Barbara Nati |
"These paintings are inspired from observations of urban and domestic life and form a narrative; they are captured moments from actual events and mixed with remembered ones, depicting people in ordinary everyday settings. The daily mundane activities we all do or see. The sometimes ambiguous scenes and the titles encourage the viewer to continue their own narrative." - John Macaulay
The Four Seasons
Matt Alexander Ray 40 x 50cm Oil on Linen "These works are from a series that reflect on objects from traditional Chinese culture, inspired by memories of a childhood growing up in Singapore, where I studied Chinese brush painting, and encouraging reflection on the beauty of the tools of the artist as well as the art itself. The Three Perfections references painting, poetry and calligraphy, which in China are historically recognised as the highest manifestations of art." - Matt Alexander Ray |
The Three Imperfections
Matt Alexander Ray 50 x 40cm Oil on Linen |
Lonely III
Ana Maria Martinez
30 x 80cm
Acrylic, ink, marble dust on canvas
Ana Maria Martinez
30 x 80cm
Acrylic, ink, marble dust on canvas
"This group of paintings show not only chaotic and isolated landscapes, but it pretends to record different emotional stages, by referring to the different shapes that the nature builds and demolishes, the constant flow and change of what is alive, and how it is revealed in the end." - Ana Maria Martinez
Ramble
Stathis Dimitriadis 15 x 15 x 54cm Clay and Ceramic |
Stichomythia
Stathis Dimitriadis 24 x 24 x 53cm Clay and Ceramic |
"My drive for making art is the curiosity for the daily stimuli of the urban texture. I make ceramic elements using repetitive processes of throwing, hand-building and breaking. These are joined in assemblages similar to the way we communicate and we organise our thoughts and memories." - Stathis Dimitriadis |
Pandora's Boxes 1-4 and Birdcage
Maureen Jordan
12 x 8 x 8cm (each box), 202 x 62 x 42cm (bird cage)
Glass box, skull, silver or gold charm, iron cage
Maureen Jordan
12 x 8 x 8cm (each box), 202 x 62 x 42cm (bird cage)
Glass box, skull, silver or gold charm, iron cage
"Pandora was the first woman of classical myth, created as a beautiful work of art. The giver of gifts, at first divine then sent to Earth with a container holding every human ill, she became at once mortal and blamed for the distress and suffering of mankind after her fall from grace. But I prefer the older myths, where female images of divinity hold jars or containers of abundant foods and other delights, such as music, love and creativity.
Inside the boxes are magpie skulls, each with a charm object. Magpies are intelligent, curious birds (they are said to recognise themselves in mirrors) who are attracted to shiny objects, often found in their nests. They seem to be jacks of all trades - scavengers, predators and pest-destroyers, with a challenging attitude.
As an artist who uses found objects and recycled materials in my work, I relate to the magpie." - Maureen Jordan
Inside the boxes are magpie skulls, each with a charm object. Magpies are intelligent, curious birds (they are said to recognise themselves in mirrors) who are attracted to shiny objects, often found in their nests. They seem to be jacks of all trades - scavengers, predators and pest-destroyers, with a challenging attitude.
As an artist who uses found objects and recycled materials in my work, I relate to the magpie." - Maureen Jordan
Urban Methodology 09032017, 03032017, 13062017
Joonhong Min
60 x 60cm
Pen, Acrylic and Waste Paper
Joonhong Min
60 x 60cm
Pen, Acrylic and Waste Paper
"A city is the subject matter and the place I proceed with my art.
As a citizen who was born in a city and destined to live in a city, my subject matter ranges from objects and sceneries ‘found’ in the urban society to personal memories accumulated within. I believe the gaze I cast upon the city is formalized through these mediums and expands with those relocated back to the city.
Facing what has been in need and now discarded, I unfold my impression of the city with the pen drawings and waste paper. As a result, these outcomes are delivered to audiences as drawing and installation, which are my personal ‘reassurance’ to what has been left out in today’s urbanized society, under the name of efficiency and development.
At the core of my works sits an individual both isolating oneself and been isolated by one’s surroundings due to the fierce competition in the contemporary society. The act of drawing repeatedly is for the feeling of achievement with which I suspend anxiety temporarily. By collecting what has been left out of its usage, I embrace what has fallen behind the competition; be that objects, sentiments, or individuals." - Joonhong Min
As a citizen who was born in a city and destined to live in a city, my subject matter ranges from objects and sceneries ‘found’ in the urban society to personal memories accumulated within. I believe the gaze I cast upon the city is formalized through these mediums and expands with those relocated back to the city.
Facing what has been in need and now discarded, I unfold my impression of the city with the pen drawings and waste paper. As a result, these outcomes are delivered to audiences as drawing and installation, which are my personal ‘reassurance’ to what has been left out in today’s urbanized society, under the name of efficiency and development.
At the core of my works sits an individual both isolating oneself and been isolated by one’s surroundings due to the fierce competition in the contemporary society. The act of drawing repeatedly is for the feeling of achievement with which I suspend anxiety temporarily. By collecting what has been left out of its usage, I embrace what has fallen behind the competition; be that objects, sentiments, or individuals." - Joonhong Min
Freecycle
Alexandre Oliveira 42 x 29cm Acrylic and Markers on Canson 300g Paper |
"In this artwork, I experimented with sketching with my eyes closed and let the pencil flow over the paper. The colours come afterwards in a modern mosaic to help it 'pop' out and also highlight the intended mood. This painting is about dreams and passion for bicycles. I could say it is about freedom as well. I would like to invite you to ride this imaginative bike with its joyful colours and it's random shapes." - Alexandre Oliveira |
"Plants: Painted during a period when I was carrying my daughter, this painting is a expression of both physical and emotional growth and the tranquillity and pleasure that came along with this experience.
Piece of Each-other: This painting was initially done for an international project on the topic “Love”, but then carried on as a personal work. The idea is that how through compromises, affection and longing we always metaphorically exchange a piece of each-other with a person whom we love.
Nap in the Nature: A painting inspired by the countless times that I have been camping and sleeping in the middle of the nature - something very nostalgic and enjoyable for me, attached to a lot of memories from childhood till now." - Mirjam Siim
Piece of Each-other: This painting was initially done for an international project on the topic “Love”, but then carried on as a personal work. The idea is that how through compromises, affection and longing we always metaphorically exchange a piece of each-other with a person whom we love.
Nap in the Nature: A painting inspired by the countless times that I have been camping and sleeping in the middle of the nature - something very nostalgic and enjoyable for me, attached to a lot of memories from childhood till now." - Mirjam Siim
My Chained Silhouette, My Destiny Silhouette, My Mature Silhouette, My Half Silhouette (clockwise from top-left)
Maryam Deyhim
25 x 25cm
Oil on Canvas
Maryam Deyhim
25 x 25cm
Oil on Canvas
"Being a woman in Islam is not always easy for some, and the issues are not so obvious at first. This series of artworks serve to highlight my observations, to encourage awareness and debate, as well as suggest that you will see more on a second glance." - Maryam Deyhim
Ponder, Uncertain, Over Thinking
Brad Kenny
90 x 100cm
Oil on Canvas
Brad Kenny
90 x 100cm
Oil on Canvas
"There is always a relationship between an artist and his or her subject. The integrity of representation can sometimes be disrupted by the relationship and requirements of the sitter. So far in my career, to explore individual authenticity, I have, at times, indulged in a consideration of myself through self portraiture to explore my contemporaneous self and my identity. They a provide continuity for me; my private diary and my public autobiography.
In these self portraits I explore how I relate to a generation of the easy consumer contrasting concerns for our planet along with what seems to be a contemporary angst around life, place, love, societal political turmoil and the future.
I have experienced extreme emotions that I draw on to promote authenticity of emotion, intimacy, individuality, ideas and faithful expression in my paintings. I am constantly energised by the ability to apply paint to a create form that can project ideas, thoughts and experiences and evoke intended and unintended interpretations and arousing reactions and emotions." - Brad Kenny
In these self portraits I explore how I relate to a generation of the easy consumer contrasting concerns for our planet along with what seems to be a contemporary angst around life, place, love, societal political turmoil and the future.
I have experienced extreme emotions that I draw on to promote authenticity of emotion, intimacy, individuality, ideas and faithful expression in my paintings. I am constantly energised by the ability to apply paint to a create form that can project ideas, thoughts and experiences and evoke intended and unintended interpretations and arousing reactions and emotions." - Brad Kenny
"I met Felicity at a Vintage Fair and this portrait is one of two that I painted based on sittings and conversations I had with her in my studio about her love of the Japanese Clothing brand "Innocent World". The designer Yumi Fujiwara created the brand concept of "Innocent World" inspired by classical European designs - particularly referencing the influence of Britain. The brand showcases elegance and cuteness and showcases a fascination with the exotic and the alternative - it recasts traditional modes of Japanese dress in a modern style and was celebrated in the 2012/13 Victoria and Albert Museum exhibition "Kitty and the Bulldog"." - Carol Tarn |
Felicity
Carol Tarn 76 102cm Oil on Linen |
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
More details coming soon...