The House of Pain at Vegas Gallery

The House of Pain at Vegas Gallery

22 August, 2008
by: Art Sleuth

This review comes courtesy of Spoonfed's new culture pal, Art Sleuth.

Ominously called the 'House of Pain', and nothing to do with the Irish hip-hop band, for this exhibition at Vegas Gallery, Pascal Rousson has created a shed constructed out of individual canvases.

Most of these are paintings done in the typical style of a different iconic artist: Picasso, Warhol, Pollock etc. Fontana, for instance has a slash through it, which ironically creates a smiley face. Or they are paintings which someway depicts the artist's character or stereotype. As Rousson explained, taking drugs or having affairs with their models is the stereotype these artists have.

The blurb to the exhibition states that Rousson, 'ironically debunks' these modernist artists, 'casting them as self-obsessed bricoleurs' (DIYs to the non-cheese brigade) 'whose great works echo the "low" aesthetics of amateur home improvement projects'.

But if this is really what Rousson has set out to prove then this is not an aggressive enough way of presenting it. It comes across as more of a pleasant pastiche, and Rousson's own painting style is submerged within his subjects' style, making it difficult to see whether the imitation is his own progression of the style or a direct take-off.

I overheard someone mentioning that 'House of Pain' could mean 'House of Bread' which the stable at Bethlehem was referred to at some point. This is going a little far for a collective collage of modernist paintings and some vaguely soft porn. But still, a nice idea.

The House has a slightly underwhelming appearance, and the concept is a little vacant, but then perhaps that's the whole point.

Art Sleuth is a London-based art blogger. Click here to read more by Art Sleuth.

Or click here to read an alternative review of  House of Pain, by Kate.

Or perhaps click here to see other exhibitions at Vegas Gallery.

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Art Sleuth