Ad Infinitum - Part I at Vegas Gallery

Ad Infinitum - Part I at Vegas Gallery

23 March, 2009
by: Chrisg

I seem to have a soft spot for Vegas Gallery and its cleverly themed shows; last month the exhibition had an underlying vampire theme; this one – Ad Infinitum – Part I – deals with what the press release describes as 'a curatorial preoccupation with the re-emergence of gothic sensibilities'.
I arrive at the gallery to find large candles on either side of the steep steps; it sets the scene nicely for the gothic-themed exhibition that is about to unfold in the exhibiting 'chamber' below.

The exhibition is a group show and the exhibiting artists include Alex Hudson and the Dutch art duo, Liet Heringa and Maarten Van Kalsbeek. It is this duo's incredible sculptural work in mixed media that dominates the exhibiting space: the three dimensional work is abstract, multicoloured and imposing.

I am lucky enough to get a fantastic overview of the sculptures by Liet. Rather than giving me a walking tour of each piece she unusually gives me the overview by looking at images of the work on a computer in the gallery office! One of the works, she explains, gives the sensation of speed, and I agree: it is the feeling you get looking at a photograph of a fast moving train. Yet when she shows me an image of the same work from a different angle, it gives a totally different sensation. Liet also tells me that as a duo they are in a much more fluid stage compared to several years ago: now, when they start a work they are never sure what form it will take or when it will finish!

I am someone who loves bright and colourful artwork which is why I love these sculptures. I am a little confused though as to the gothic element in their work. I always associate the word gothic with the dark and mysterious, as well as the band, Sisters of Mercy. Like the band, Liet is dressed in black from head to toe; maybe this is their contribution to the gothic theme! Although I do not have time to write about it in this short article, for me, it is Alex Hudson who really underpins the gothic element of the show with his two dimensional work steeped in mystical undertones.

I think the exhibition works well as a whole. The curator is Ken Pratt and unfortunately I am not able to pin him down. I usually manage to get a few words with the artist or the gallerist but never seem to be able to find the curator: they seem to be an elusive breed of art world participant always lurking somewhere behind the scenes.

Chris Guillochon has an art blog documenting his experiences entering the art world.

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Chrisg