Metamorphosis Exhibition
11.10.2023 | Metamorphosis
(scroll down for portuguese)
(ENG)
Welcome to "Metamorphosis," an exploration of transformation that transcends the boundaries of time, culture and individuality. This exhibition unites the works of seven artists from around the globe under the common thread of textiles.
As we embark on this immersive journey, we invite you to transcend the familiar, open your mind to the unknown and embrace the evolution of consciousness that lies at the core of the invisible aspects of a social history woven into the daily life of our society. "Metamorphosis" is more than just an exhibition; it is an opportunity to connect with the profound universal energy that binds us all.
Change is the only constant. It occurs at the intersection of contrasting elements where the known and unknown converge, giving birth to unique qualities and transforming the initial components into diverse, novel entities.
Textiles possess a remarkable ability to function as visual language, allowing us to navigate the intricate tapestry of human subjectivity. Just as words convey stories, textiles convey emotions, experiences and the complexities of our inner worlds. They are not mere fabrics but intricately woven narratives.
We confront the enduring impact of colonization and globalization through the lens of textiles, "Metamorphosis" challenges us to unravel the complex legacy of these historical forces. Just as textiles adapt to shifting circumstances we can reimagine our role in shaping a sustainable and harmonious future.
Within the diverse fabrics representing cultures and societies from Europe to the islands of Africa, South and North America, we immerse ourselves in the uninterrupted fabric of the universe.
Through the creations of these seven artists—David Shillinglaw, Expanded Eye, Joana Gomes, Kwame Sousa, Lauren dela Roche, Lisette Van Hoogenhuyze, and Thiago Molon—you will witness the sophisticated interplay between individual and collective consciousness. Each artist's work encapsulates the spirit of our transformative age urging us to examine the multifaceted threads that shape our existence.
Their creations compel us to peer beyond the surface, to journey deep into our being. As you traverse "Metamorphosis" let the textiles guide you, much like the celestial navigation of ancient mariners—a voyage of self-discovery, connection and transformation. We invite you to become an integral part of this ever-evolving narrative where change is not a choice but a magnificent constant.
Exhibition View
Kwame Sousa:: Cerimônia de Acasalamento I, 152x144cm :: 2023
Exhibition View
photos: Bruno Contin
David Shillinglaw's (UK) — Born in 1982, he grew up in London and went on to graduate from Central Saint Martin’s in 2002. Currently lives and works in Margate, UK. The british artist is renowned for exploring themes around the “mind human condition”; – he works in this conflicted and messy space, which ultimately relates to a relentless need for control within a disordered world. Contradictory feelings of freedom and confinement, safety and claustrophobia, coexist within his works.
Shillinglaw’s transformative prowess lies in his unique ability to unite disparate components, breathing life into them and birthing entirely new entities. His art, as presented in “Metamorphosis”, serves as a profound exploration of the intricate tapestry of human existence. He brings together components that did not previously exist in a common whole, which adds power to the transformative potential of these works. The artist created the presented pieces from old ones he destroyed. Rebirth, resurrection, powerful creation: David Shillinglaw brings new beings into existence.
David Shillinglaw: Common Threads, 140x110 cm - 2023
The artist duo Expanded Eye (UK), formed by the London couple Jade Tomlinson and Kevin James, stands as a dynamic force in the international contemporary art scene. Their oeuvre seamlessly traverses diverse mediums, showcasing an artistic language that is both unique and adaptable. At its core, their art is a fusion of human elements drawn from everyday life, meticulously deconstructed into fundamental components, and masterfully reassembled into singular, evocative ideas.
“Metamorphosis”; serves as the central and intrinsic principle guiding their creative process. For Expanded Eye, art is a transcendental journey that defies boundaries and embraces transformation. It represents a quest for self-discovery and authenticity, where the act of creation begets life itself. This profound sensitivity to their creative process, coupled with an unwavering commitment to narrative intricacies, results in works that exude an ethereal quality. These creations are meticulously conceived and executed, conveying an enthusiasm that exceeds mere verbal expression.
In their exploration of textile art for the “Metamorphosis”; exhibition, Expanded Eye unveils a groundbreaking chapter in their artistic journey. They employ a modern and sophisticated approach to craft intricate compositions from interconnected fabric pieces.
Expanded Eye: Between Us, Beyond Us, 150x100 cm :: 2023
Joana Gomes (b. 1986, Lisboa) delves into the evolving role of women in society, offering a poignant representation through her art. Her work for this exhibition features a sentimental reflection inspired by a Japanese film frame, notably "The Only Son" by Yasujiro Ozu, which she portrays on two overlapping fabrics. This composition creates an impression of the passage of time, imbuing her work with a sense of fuzziness and blurred visibility. Joana utilizes deliberate gaps within her pieces to mark time, symbolizing the breaking of patterns and repetitions. Her art encapsulates the essence of a woman continually taking on new roles, transcending the traditional confines of motherhood and homemaking. It exudes sensitivity, sensuality, and subtlety—a testament to the energy of transformation and the power of creation, where the artist breathes life into her creations.
Joana Gomes: As Mil Tarefas Invisíveis, 170x150 cm :: 2023
Kwame Sousa's (b. in 1980 in São Tomé and Príncipe), masterfully weaves a body of work that bridges the gap between individual expression and cultural archetypes. In his exploration of various media, styles, and techniques,
As we step into the present moment, we find ourselves amidst an African renaissance—marked by pride, optimism, and renewed hope across the continent. Kwame Sousa's first textile pieces, presented in this exhibition, invite us to view this emerging Africa through the lens of his ancestors. These textile artworks become vessels for the age-old tradition of storytelling, carrying within them the narrative of transformation. Just as textiles adapt and evolve over time, reflecting the shifting tapestry of human existence, Kwame Sousa's creations mirror the dynamic spirit of Africa as it embarks on a new chapter of its journey.
Kwame Sousa:: Cerimônia do Acasalamento II, 98x102cm :: 2023
Lauren dela Roche (b. Santa Rosa, CA 1983), weaves her personal psychological experiences into a tapestry of creativity, giving birth to imaginative landscapes that mirror the depths of her inner psyche. Her artwork becomes a vessel for her memories and life's twists and turns, but it also extends an invitation to viewers, offering a glimpse into their own universal anxieties. For this exhibition, her work, titled "Déjà Vu," encapsulates imaginative metaphors with a strong feminine essence at its core. It embodies a dualistic interplay of characters, infused with inspiration from punk poetry, Murakami's literature, and a fusion of domesticity and dreamworlds.
Lisette Van Hoogenhuyze (b. 1991) masterfully weaves influences from Greek mythology and storytelling into her creations, which span various artistic media, including painting and textiles. Her oeuvre serves as an evocative exploration of ancient myths, giving life to forms imbued with profound symbolism through a contemporary perspective. Themes of femininity and metamorphosis resonate strongly throughout her body of work. Her artistic journey is marked by an ongoing process of learning, a continuous quest to encapsulate the cultures and symbolisms passed down through generations. Through her creations, she aims to convey the timeless essence of life itself.
Lisette Van Hoogenhuyze: ‘Clouds in my coffee” 160x120cm - Courtesy of Rademakers Gallery.’
Thiago Molon, born and raised in Vidigal, the iconic favela of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a multidisciplinary artist . Molon weaves a unique universe into his work, interlacing aesthetic and cultural references from his family and the community he hails from. The Vidigal favela plays a central role in shaping the artist's poetic, aesthetic, and political identity. The artist research unveils the intricate interplay of art, history, geopolitics, and local culture, acting as a catalyst for societal reflection and transformation. Thiago portrays the Brazilian people, focusing on the richness of their experiences and the beauty of simplicity while not shying away from highlighting the suffering and challenges faced by those on the periphery.
Thiago Molon: Estruturas Ambulantes :: Viajantes, 174x191cm (diptych)