A glimpse of Modern Panic III
As featured in Unfolded Magazine Issue 12
Words: Maria Kilby
Apiary Studios, Hackney
November/December 2012
Modern Panic has slowly been gaining a quiet momentum, since its initial inception, merely a few years ago. Taking direct inspiration from cult director and artist Alejandro Jodorowsky, the exhibition, like its predecessors, had an overwhelming theme of surrealism and art de la 'Enfant Terrrible'.
Curator James Elphick thoughtfully selected some fifty artists from across the world to contribute to Modern Panic III and ultimately, the imperfect mish-mash of media on display, worked very well. It is perhaps, however, vital to bear in mind when viewing the overall nature of the work displayed, that it is not 'art' in a classical sense. Modern Panic sets a far more pertinent tone, regardless of how the masses may perceive this. Shock and controversy were both key players in a showcase of twisted visions and dreamlike states, as opposed to polite water colour and bowls of inoffensive fruit.
Perfectly situated in East 'so hip it hurts honey' London, Modern Panic garnered mixed reviews since its opening night in November of last year. Some seemed to feel its overall aim was to play to age old shock tactics - models of headless corpses, taxidermy and work by the infamously incarcerated Charles Bronson would certainly help to maintain this view. However, I feel there is still a definite place for such a raw, edgy show-one in which the dark underbelly of society is confronted head on, rather than tip toed around.
Amidst the veritable banquet of eccentricities on display, I had a few personal favourites, Santiago Caruso is a symbolic, surrealist artist and illustrator, whose striking work repeatedly adheres to themes of horror, suspense and fantastical imaginings. His delicate pieces are both ethereal and doomed in their dark portrayals. He is widely published and exhibited world wide.
Words: Maria Kilby
Apiary Studios, Hackney
November/December 2012
Modern Panic has slowly been gaining a quiet momentum, since its initial inception, merely a few years ago. Taking direct inspiration from cult director and artist Alejandro Jodorowsky, the exhibition, like its predecessors, had an overwhelming theme of surrealism and art de la 'Enfant Terrrible'.
Curator James Elphick thoughtfully selected some fifty artists from across the world to contribute to Modern Panic III and ultimately, the imperfect mish-mash of media on display, worked very well. It is perhaps, however, vital to bear in mind when viewing the overall nature of the work displayed, that it is not 'art' in a classical sense. Modern Panic sets a far more pertinent tone, regardless of how the masses may perceive this. Shock and controversy were both key players in a showcase of twisted visions and dreamlike states, as opposed to polite water colour and bowls of inoffensive fruit.
Perfectly situated in East 'so hip it hurts honey' London, Modern Panic garnered mixed reviews since its opening night in November of last year. Some seemed to feel its overall aim was to play to age old shock tactics - models of headless corpses, taxidermy and work by the infamously incarcerated Charles Bronson would certainly help to maintain this view. However, I feel there is still a definite place for such a raw, edgy show-one in which the dark underbelly of society is confronted head on, rather than tip toed around.
Amidst the veritable banquet of eccentricities on display, I had a few personal favourites, Santiago Caruso is a symbolic, surrealist artist and illustrator, whose striking work repeatedly adheres to themes of horror, suspense and fantastical imaginings. His delicate pieces are both ethereal and doomed in their dark portrayals. He is widely published and exhibited world wide.
Chiho Iwase was born in Japan and currently resides in London. Her contradictory sculptures grab ones attention in an instant. She presents child like imagery - models of teddy bears and half rabbit heads - in a way that is indelibly disturbing and deeply affecting - in an indirect way. The latter therefore leaves an oppressive impression on the individual.
U.K artist Julie Newton works rather curiously, with, well shoes! Putting soiled sanitary matters into mock ups of her daughters first pair of Clarks shoes certainly rendered her a memorable addition to the show!
I could go on,but I wouldn't want to give too much away - Modern Panic is an event best viewed in person - keep your eyes peeled for the next, illicit 2013 instalment!
www.guerrillazoo.com
Post 4th Feb 2013
source : http://unfoldedmagazine.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/a-glimpse-of-modern-panic-iii.html
U.K artist Julie Newton works rather curiously, with, well shoes! Putting soiled sanitary matters into mock ups of her daughters first pair of Clarks shoes certainly rendered her a memorable addition to the show!
I could go on,but I wouldn't want to give too much away - Modern Panic is an event best viewed in person - keep your eyes peeled for the next, illicit 2013 instalment!
www.guerrillazoo.com
Post 4th Feb 2013
source : http://unfoldedmagazine.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/a-glimpse-of-modern-panic-iii.html
