Michael Nyman and Gavin Turk to open photography exhibition at Hackney Empire

Michael Nyman and Gavin Turk to open photography exhibition at Hackney Empire

19 January, 2010
by: Lauren Romano

Minimalist composer Michael Nyman and YBA Gavin Turk confirmed to launch brand new photography exhibition at the Hackney Empire in February.

Controversial artist Gavin Turk and Golden Globe-nominated composer Michael Nyman conjure up an aura of allure and excess, set to restore The Hackney Empire to its former glory at the spectacular opening of Marco Sanges latest exhibition, Big Scenes.

Profuse splendour and unashamed decadence are set to be the order of this special preview evening on 11th February. With special guest and well-versed narcissist Gavin Turk at the helm, we can only hope to be treated to an enticing appetiser of some of his choicest, most self-indulgent works. The life-sized sculptures of himself cast as a plethora of different romantic heroes look set to help the hedonistic mood along nicely, while opulence befitting of the occasion will no doubt be ensured by the live string quartet overture of Nyman's music.

And then there's the exhibition proper to contend with, featuring a live installation together with the collection of elaborately grandiose images for the delectation of the spectator. Italian photographer Marco Sanges expertly evokes erotic possibility in his works which waver on the fringes of social decorum, lavish richness and allure, in an age where sexual prohibition, moral ambuiguity, reckless abandonment and overt, rampant sexuality merge.

A feeling of fantasy and wish fulfilment lingers in the background of these works which blur the boundaries of artistic haute culture with human sexuality and exhibitionism. The narrative woven throughout comes together to form a hypnotic story fringed with promiscuity and the visual spectical of sexuality. 

Marco Sanges – Big Scenes is at the Hackney Empire from 11th February - 6th March 2010.

Please note: viewing is by appointment only. To book an appointment, email view@marcosanges.com or call 07724 887 750.

Image credit: Marco Sanges, 'Unchain Melody'

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