B140423125024 002

HOME/SCULPTURE

Thomas Grünfeld

Josh Smith

Kaari Upson

Rashid Johnson

Rob Pruitt

Andra Ursuţa

Dates
16.04.2014 | 24.05.2014
Gallery
London
File

Massimo De Carlo gallery in London is happy to present a new collective exhibition that reflects on the notions of art and design through sculpture, and questions the boundary that lies in between these two fields. Home/Sculpture presents a variety of artworks that recall the home environment and at the same time pay homage to the concepts of ready-made art and object trouvé creating a transfer of the domestic meaning of the object to the sphere of the gallery, generating a virtuous circle that enhances the dialogue between high and low culture,intellectualismandvoluntarism,criticaltheoryandpopculture,idealismandeverydaylife. Forthe exhibition the gallery itself has been transformed into an aesthetical allegory that mimics the likes of a design or a furniture shop, highlighting the subtle symbolism of sculptures that are shaped as everyday objects.

The sculptures presented in this exhibition are made by a group of artists that all have different geographical and social backgrounds, and who work with different references and inspirations. Some works are enticingly raw, and are bound to awaken the viewer’s sensitivity, such as Rashid Johnson’s and Andra Ursuta’s art works: both artists often tackle identity and community related issues in their practice, here using sculpture as the medium to translate these issue into icons and embodiments of the social or inner conflicts of today. In her body of work Kaari Upson reflects upon the notion of displacement and propriety: the series of casts of found mattresses, rugs, and couch selected for this exhibition, with their worn out appearance seem to highlight and question the journey of the object itself.

Thomas Grünfeld’s minimalist and debonair choice of materials and shapes, which recall the Bauhaus designs, are here in contrast with the playful and colourful sofas created by Rob Pruitt, whose work, that is composed by a complex and meticulous series of vibrant and irreverent drawings, aesthetically challenges the conception of post-popart. JoshSmith’sceramicsculpturesarecraftyobjectsthatonecanimaginebeingontheshelvesofa cabinet of wonders: food cans, soap bottles, masks, and other home appliances have been remodelled as unusual and inaccurate artisanal pottery.

Home/Sculpture at Massimo De Carlo gallery aims to invite the viewer to take part in the debate that surrounds the everlasting concept of the found object and how it is re-questioned in the realm of today’s art.