Brightons Arty: Alison Krog

A Space Odyssey

We’re fortunate to live just a stone’s throw from Gallery40 – the innovative pop-up art space on Gloucester Road that never fails to surprise and delight. Head there before 31 May and you’ll catch ‘The B-12 Module’, an imaginatively conceived collection of paintings, prints and collages by Mark Charlton, created in response to the vague memory of a 1950s science-fiction short story about an expedition to Pluto.

The exhibition is a retrospective vision of a future in which the desire to explore distant planets is both prevalent and necessary in order to discover alternative resources that will fuel human kind. Although the story was an influential starting point, Mark developed the work as an interpretation that highlights his fascination with the wonder of the universe and potential deep space exploration.

The B-12 module is a conceptual design for a fictional research vessel that will travel to Pluto. Through abstract imagery, the work represents the mechanical marvel of such a vision and the silent serenity of reaching Pluto and being far from home. The pieces are fragments of an unfamiliar world, made over several months to create a sense of well-travelled technological diagrams and photographic plates. Careful consideration has been given to the use of colour and texture to highlight the inspirational period of the 1950s, and the build up of layers gives an exciting sense of discovery to the final compositions.

Don’t miss: There’s still time to be part of the fourth Brunswick Town Art Fair, a local community event set in the Regency splendour of Brunswick Square Gardens. Taking place on Sunday 28 June, the day will feature local artists exhibiting paintings, prints, photographs, cards, ceramics, sculpture and jewellery focusing on high quality, affordable work.

For more information see Facebook/BrunswickTownArtFair or email brunswicktownartfair@outlook.com
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