CLEO MUSSI // Saatchi Gallery

Last weekend I was assisting my friend and mentor Cleo Mussi at her stand in Collect at Saatchi Gallery. She, along with a small number of other artists, was awarded a large stand in the Saatchi Project Space gallery and she asked me to go along and assist - very exciting. Although my schedule was fit to busting point, I couldn't refuse helping out a friend and getting to see what it was all about.

Collect is an annual show curated by Crafts Council and takes over the entire Saatchi Gallery for a long weekend, and there is so many strange and wonderful things to see; the unexpected, the ostentatious, the aspirational. Of course I am biased when it comes to Mussi's work but there was something so very refreshing about the Project Space. It felt like it has its feet on the ground, but was still engaging and challenging. Apart from unusual mosaics there was also some fantastic screen printed ceramics, dynamic furniture and a textiles artist, and textiles are currently thin on the ground so that was great to see.

Mussi selected only her main pieces from her latest body of work All Consuming for this particular show, however this wasn't a full representation of her entire practice, as I was earnestly telling any clients who would listen. She works on a wide scale - from small insects, to guard dogs, to astronauts and these characters all play a part in her narrative. The large mosaics shown here were assembled in a long line and were like some hieroglyphic from the future instead of the past, addressing ecological concerns. Here were some of my favourite bits from the show.....

If you didn't get to visit Collect then the next chance to see Mussi's work is at The Museum in The Park in Stroud from 19th July - 27th August, to see the full collection of All Consuming. She will also be at Bovey Tracey from 6th - 8th June. Alternatively you can always contact the artist in person. Visit her website here to get the full picture....

SITE FEST : Polyrhythmic Snarl

Introducing Ed Lawrenson and Sam Marsh, the highly skilled duo behind Polyrhythmic Snarl who are returning to Stroud's Site Festival this year. Exploring collaboration and process, these paintings use geometric shapes, line and form to trick the eye and manipulate the sense of space.

When viewing this Magic Eye visual trickery on kite shaped canvases I get the distinct impression that I am somehow being drawn in and hoodwinked by these master painters. Attempting to locate the start and the end of these intertwining colourful forms is near impossible but that doesnt stop the viewers eye from trying to make sense of it all. In the end you can take from it what you will - I enjoy the abundance of immaculate colourways and the feeling that I cannot look away.....

This is a teaser of a show, only running from 9th - 11th May on Kings Street in the center of town, so get this one in your diary. Visit the Site Festival website for all the details. Highly recommended!

Light Reading : Slow Down Arthur

Look what dropped on my doormat yesterday! Harland Miller's novel Slow Down Arthur, Stick To Thirty.

Harland mentioned this publication during his talk at the RA last week, and I immediately ordered it.

I'm only on page 5 and its already VERY funny. I try to experience books and films without any previous knowledge of it, so all I know about this is that it is set in the 80's and that our main character is Arthur who hangs out with a David Bowie impersonator. BUY IT. 

Hot News - Angie Lewin Does Ceramics!

Angie Lewin - printmaker, painter, surface designer - a modern day Ravillious who can turn her hand to anything. She has just released a range of ceramics - two designs of porcelain plates to be exact - with John Julian Design. A match made in heaven. Available individually or in sets of 6, two colourways to choose from. Check them out immediately here.