Resurgence: Art from the Wastes

April 20th-28th, Star Brewery Gallery, Lewes

"Resurgence: Art from the Wastes" is an enlightening and evocative exhibition that marries artistic expression with a passionate call for environmental stewardship. This exhibition is a testament to the creative potential hidden within discarded materials, showcasing the profound impact of artistic vision on our collective responsibility to protect our planet.

In a world where waste is a growing concern, "Resurgence" challenges us to reconsider our relationship with the objects we cast aside and encourages us to recognize the beauty and potential within what society often deems expendable.

Star Brewery Gallery, Star Brewery, Castle Ditch Lane (off Fisher Street) Lewes, BN7 1YJ

Private view Friday 19th April 6- 7.30 pm WhatsApp 07808313097 for more information

Resurgence: Art from the wastes.

Dynamic Shadows - This sculptural exploration embodies the essence of making space in a multi-dimensional way. Rising 1.5 meters tall, the sculpture consists of three interlocking cubes made from hardwood timber. The cubes, varying in size and angled placement, create a captivating visual effect as they overlay one another, forming a structure that generates space within itself.

The hardwood cubes are covered in plaster, employing reclaimed fabric strips to enhance texture and depth. As the plaster traverses the frame, it gradually thins, revealing the underlying wooden structure. The timber, strategically narrowed towards the centre, creates a visual journey, with a thick-to-thin line guiding the viewer's gaze. Finished entirely in a black 3.0 paint, the sculpture absorbs light, eliminating reflections and presenting a flat, enigmatic silhouette against a white background. This deliberate choice accentuates the transformative nature of the artwork, where the perception of shapes evolves with every shift in perspective.

Dynamic Shadows not only captures the physical act of making space through its layered and angled construction, but also invites viewers to engage in a visual exploration. As one moves around the sculpture, the shapes morph, giving prominence to the spaces in between and the ever-changing relationship between form and perception.

Burdened and Bound - These sculptures serve as poignant embodiments of weight and struggle. Crafted from a mixture of plaster of Paris and ash collected from fire remnants, each figure is meticulously shaped onto a frame, mirroring the human form. Strips of torn, discarded clothing are applied, rendering these armless figures under duress, symbolising the weight of personal and collective burdens. The intentional incorporation of old screws and nails adds a tangible heaviness that speaks to the gravity of the human experience as well as the enduring weight of discarded materials, transforming the figures into powerful expressions of resilience and rebirth. Each figure is painted in natural earth tones, such as red oxide, mars yellow and burnt umber, enhancing the connection to the environment. The title "Burdened and Bound" both communicates the urgency for the human race to initiate meaningful changes in our troubled environment and emphasises the boundless potential for transformation within the weight of our collective responsibilities.

Nature's Eulogy - These large collage works on repurposed MDF panels speak to the struggle of nature amidst human-generated waste. Layers of old paint, combined with paper and cardboard adorned with plant leaves, create a visual narrative of degradation and resilience. Each panel reflects the inherent tension between nature's innate beauty and the encroaching impact of discarded materials, inviting viewers to contemplate the delicate balance between the organic and the man-made, as well as the profound repercussions of our collective actions on the environment.

Timber Canvases: Relics of Heritage - In this series, old picture frames undergo a transformative revival. Each frame, with its unique character and history, now houses a composition built on OSB boards, adorned with found and reclaimed timber sourced from construction sites. The shapes of these collages are dictated by the inherent qualities of the timber. Embracing the spirit of artistic heritage, these framed timber canvases blend history and creativity, inviting viewers to explore the interplay between the materials' past and the artist's vision.

Urban Elegance: Timber Transitions - In this upcoming series, reclaimed plywood, once utilised as construction site hoarding, undergoes a transformative journey into layered timber collages. Each piece displays wear and tear, from nail holes to water damage, revealing a striking narrative of its materials’ history. The curves, enhanced with a palette of black, grey, and white, evoke a sense of both elegance and desolation. Through meticulous cutting, sanding, and strategically placed incisions, the artist unveils the intricate layers within the timber, presenting a harmonious marriage of beauty and decay.

Urban Fragments: Aerial Chronicles - Each collage in this series is born from a base of cardboard boxes, a testament to resourcefulness and creativity on a budget. Layers of vibrant paint are meticulously applied then sanded back, revealing a weathered and decayed aesthetic that conveys the passage of time. A nod to Russian constructivism adds a touch of historical resonance, while the inclusion of paper collage and acrylic paint infuses a multidimensional quality. Inspired by aerial photography, these pieces capture the essence of urban landscapes seen from above, portraying the beauty that can emerge from humble materials and showcasing the power of art to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

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