INTO THE WILD @ Norrtälje konsthall
Skateistan
The Influential Monkey
“The Influential Monkey”, opens at Henningsen Contemporary.
For the show The Influential Monkey Hultenberg has chosen a somewhat alternative way, to put his formally stringent paintings into perspective. This has been done with the aid of an angry little monkey he drew last September, which during the working process has been acting as an embodiment of the ’spirit’ of the exhibited paintings. Hereby Hultenberg reveals aspects of the artistic process rarely displayed in exhibitions. Mainly intended as a private note to the artist, the drawing is not physically a part of the exhibition. However, the title of the show and a short text written by the artist, ensure that the monkey is at the forefront of audience’s consciousnes s, ultimately influencing the interpretation of the abstract works.
Although an extension of concrete painting, the works refuse to settle within this category. The visual language is objective and rational, but the clarity characteristic of the form is not present within the content. Silence and intentional confusion prevail. Hultenberg is specifically interested in situations, which, arises when the most irrational ideas are realized decisively. By allowing these types of ideas an unreasonably large expressive emphasis, Hultenberg wants to make evident the staggering number of options the white surface of a canvas reflects.
Copenhagen Graffiti (Walls)//
Copenhagen Graffiti (S-trains)//
Dare R.I.P.
Nils Erik Gjerdevik in Mellemrummet.
Nils Erik Gjerdevik’s paintings challenge the set rules and conventions of painting as genre. His field of interest is the preconditions and potential of the non-figurative and in the schism between rigid concretism and playful forms the works take on the character of a survey of the diverse systems of abstractions in art history.
The liniar structures of constructivism, the ornamental arabesques of art nouveau, the grid system of minimalism, the visual phenomenons of op art, as well as patterns and styles of pop art are all put into play in the art of Nils Erik Gjerdevik.
Gjerdevik breaks with the classical principles of composition; the distinctions between foreground and background is blurred, and the perspective seems to point in and out of the painting. He is flirting with a psychedelic architectural universe in which gravity is eliminated and impossible meetings between subjects, themes, styles, and techniques occurs.
Ben Woodeson
The Tank Room is pleased to announce that their next exhibition will be a solo presentation by London artist Ben Woodeson, known for his “deliberately dangerous” installations and sculptures. Woodeson will be installing “Health & Safety Violation #19 – Super Scary Spinning Thing” a work that challenges both the exhibiting institution and the viewer.
Hard hats and eye protection will be provided and must be worn.
How far will you go?
Primarily using basic technologies Woodeson makes energetic sculptures; frequently they are reactive, not in the usual push this, pull that sense, rather their physical activity instigates a more intense and visceral relationship with the viewer and institution. In most cases the sculptures are unaware of the presence of the viewer, the works don’t care if they (the viewer) are there or not, their control systems are automatic and random. The sculptures aim to affect their environment by modifying it, whether through physical motion, temperature changes, subverting information and/or sense of security.
Since the start of 2009 Woodeson has been making and exhibiting the Health & Safety Violation Series of deliberately dangerous sculptures; to date these have included 33,000 ball bearings on the floor, automatic trip wires, suffocation devices, electric fences, spinning metal weights, twisting ropes and steel garroting cables.
Woodeson studied at Chelsea College of Art and Design and Glasgow School of Art. He has exhibited throughout the UK, Europe and the USA. He is based in Hackney, London and teaches at Central St Martins.
The Tank Room gallery is an initiative of the Art Department of St. Saviours & St. Olaves School a science specialist school in the Bermondsey area of London. For further information please contact:
