Brighton’s arty: Thinking in the box
Like so many of the high points in my life, this column is being written under the influence of a glass (or two) of Rioja. When team Arty tied the knot a few years ago we eschewed the traditional gift list and asked instead for additions to the Kemp St. cellar.
Fortunately, the fabulous Frances Bloomfield took pity on our livers and instead created for us one of the most treasured artworks that hangs on our walls. It’s a ‘Dream Box’ that exemplifies beautifully her unique talent for engaging the viewer in rapt reflection. Frances describes her work as an exploration into “the layered narratives of dreams and the ‘improbable’ scenarios that we unconsciously construct”. What’s so captivating is the curious juxtaposition of the elements she contains (in our case, the work is acutely personal as our names and wedding date are woven into the story). What’s so astonishing is the intricacy of the cutting and construction. Each Dream Box imagines a new interpretation of reality. Discover your own at francesbloomfield.com.
Don’t miss: Tucked away in the North Laine, ink_d gallery on North Road is a great place to enjoy art from leading contemporary artists alongside the freshest of up-and-coming talent. On show there now is ‘8 Forever’ by self-styled ‘adult toy collector’ Ryan Callanan (AKA RYCA). The works are inspired by the artist’s formative influences at age eight. So expect an overflow of references from an ‘80s childhood and a never-before-seen new technique of toy torture, which the artist calls Pressure Painting. Iconic characters from Callanan’s collection – including He-Man, Darth Vader and the Mutant Ninja Turtles – are placed under extreme pressure and moulded with clear granular plastic to create fused distortions of themselves. The exhibition runs until 9 November.
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