6 June 2013 to 10 Aug 2013
Tuesday - Saturday 10am-6pm Sunday 12-5pm
Admission: Free
Parasol unit foundation for contemporary art
14 Wharf Road
N1 7RW
London
United Kingdom
Europe
T: +44 0 20 7490 7373
F: +44 0 20 7490 7775
M:
W: www.parasol-unit.org
6 June – 10 August 2013 (Preview: 5 June 2013, 6.30 – 9 p.m.)
Parasol unit foundation for contemporary art is delighted to present the work of painter Merlin James from 6 June to 10 August 2013. The exhibition will focus on a selection of works ranging from the start of James’ career (the early 1980s) through to the present day. This will be the artist’s first major solo exhibition in a London institution.
James’ somewhat enigmatic paintings address a vast and eclectic range of subject matter and richly metaphoric imagery, including land- and sea-scapes, figures, architecture, interiors and erotic scenes. What they frequently have in common is their modest scale, highly-considered composition and a seeming effortlessness of execution which belies their complexity. As particular and individual in their use of colour as they are distinctive in composition, James' works interrogate traditional approaches to painting, often actively integrating the physicality of the canvas and stretcher into the composition, as well as incorporating dust, glue or debris into the surface. Heightening a sense of intentionality, or purpose, James at times cuts holes in, or adds three-dimensional objects to, the work.
James’ work often seems to comment on or make reference to modernist painting, and much that has been written about his work concentrates on his sources in art. But although he does draw on the 'golden age' of modern painting, and paintings by lesser known modern artists, to dwell excessively on James' sources would be to miss altogether the intensity of the viewing experience and the ensuing intellectual challenges his work offers.
Born in Cardiff, Wales, in 1960, Merlin James studied in London at the Central School of Art and the Royal College of Art. He currently lives and works in Glasgow, Scotland.
VISITOR INFORMATION Admission to all Parasol unit exhibitions is free Gallery opening hours: Monday by prior arrangement. Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday, 12–5 p.m. Christmas closure: 22 December 2012 – 1 January 2013 (inclusive)Directions Tube: Old Street and Angel Buses: 43, 205 and 214 via City Road
Note to editors Founded in December 2004, Parasol unit foundation for contemporary art is an educational charity registered in England and Wales and operates purely for the benefit of the public. Every year the foundation organises four exhibitions in a variety of media and also sets up other artistic projects. Each gallery exhibition is accompanied by a publication and a related educational events programme. The foundation does not bear the founder’s name, and its exhibitions are not derived from the founder’s own collection. Parasol unit is thus a new model of collaboration between private funding and public support.
For more information, please contact Gemma Colgan on 020 7490 7373, at gemma@parasol-unit.org, or go to www.parasol-unit.org.
Company registration: 05299582 / Registered charity number: 1107425
Icelandic nature is prominent in Eliasson's work, and his artistic relationship with it often involves collection or documentation that is scientific in tone. The country becomes a sensory laboratory where ideas can be developed and evolved into art, as evidenced in the multiple photographic series that would seem to witness a near compulsive need for collecting.
TAKA ISHII GALLERY, Tokyo presents NOBUYOSHI ARAKI - EroReal
7 June - 27 July 2013
Magazine pin-ups aren't interesting, are they? Especially now that they're shot digitally, they lack eroticism. They're doing it wrong. That's why I had to come in. It's not about an ambiance or concept; it's about being real. Not realism, but real?ero-real. I have to say it straight. It's not about nudity; clothed subjects can be erotic.
The approach, London presents JACK LAVENDER - Dreams Chunky
6 June - 28 July 2013
Jack Lavender draws from a world of mass-produced objects, transforming their singular banality through their composition within such structures as grids and metal armatures. Sitting between the disciplines of painting, sculpture and collage, Lavender brings different elements together to create a new entity.
