Metamorphose 2

Metamorphose 2
17th May - 6th June 2008
Curated by Eleanor Pearce
Artists: Tasha Aulls, Fran Crowley, Tobi Deeson, Matthew Duffy, Annie Hemond-Hotte, James Ferris, Justin Gainan, Jason Underhill

Metamorphose explores parallel realities, psychic phenomena and questions of belief.
Never have the supernatural and alternative perspectives been so prevalent, so relevant to us as a society right now. Alternative thinking and the need to connect with our fellow human in a broadly secular society is a major theme in our culture and an area that attracts a lot of cynicism; Metamorphose looks at this dichotomy.
 
The artists have worked closely together to produce an exhibition specific to the setting, a converted church. Using a variety of media and unexpected interjections the group are consistently fresh in their approach.
 
The space's influence is felt as echoes in the work on many different levels, be they physical or psychological. Jason Underhill’s collaboration with psychic medium Eos Yolanda from Arizona clarifies and examines this connection. Eos will be reading the space via an internet connection, exploring the influences that the building has on those who exhibit, work or visit there. Underhill presents two video installation pieces that present her responses without judgement, leaving the viewer to ponder the outcomes.
 
As part of 'Global Unity Project: Countdown to Doomsday' looking at the Mayan calendar, Matthew Duffy will be launching the work into outer space. His largely conceptual practice looks at the hysteria, scepticism and ignorance around perceptions of religious beliefs. Duffy’s performance-based video 'My Catholic Father' examines 'the grand complicated epic that is growing up an American Catholic'.
 
The shadowy church 'spirit-garden' in Tasha Aulls's paintings reflects the atmosphere of the space. One wonders where the paintings really come from, what are the forces behind the imagination at work here? Annie Hemond Hotte's personal surreal world, populated with metamorphic creatures is fed by a practice of improvised spontaneity and a connection to 'the dream' or 'ghost' of our waking world.
 
Tobi Deeson's sculptural event pieces focus the viewer's attention in to the present moment, as black gloss paint drips through layers of taught white fabric. Deeson elevates the mundane with a sense of the sacred while the clash of materials imparts a lurking undertone of unease.
 
 Fran Crowley's expertly crafted textile based sculptures looks at the container in its broadest sense, questioning the nature of boundaries. A sharp contrast is offered by Justin Gainan who interjects in to the gallery space; ‘top’, a large wooden wedge that displaces the viewer and draws attention to the nature of looking.
 
James Ferris's live works infuse and confuse the viewer, his musical interjections distil a sense of new perspective as he plays the role of meddler - expect the unexpected!
 
Metamorphose, curated by Eleanor Pearce for the Islington Arts Factory,
 is the second in a series of exhibitions for emerging artists, kindly supported by
The Fenton Arts Trust. All of the participating artists are currently studying on the
Goldsmiths Fine Art MA.