15/5/2008
Axel Antas
Spacex, Exeter
Structures for the unseen. A new body of work including film, large scale drawings and a series of photographs taken in the harsh and vast Catalan Pyrenees. Shown alongside a selection of earlier works from Antas Intervention series.
This solo exhibition by Finnish artist Axel Antas consists of a new body of
work including film, large scale drawings and a series of photographs taken
in the harsh and vast Catalan Pyrenees. These pieces are shown alongside a
selection of earlier works from Antas’ 'Intervention' series.
The 'Intervention' series feature photographs of low lying mist and clouds
hovering in park landscapes. Antas explains that the clouds were
artificially created, mimicking nature and momentarily changing the
landscape which he captures in a single frame.
During a residency in the Catalan Pyrenees, Antas created numerous fragile
bird boxes and placed them amongst the landscape or stand alone on a
mountain top. These structures were photographed in situ, the lack of
inhabitants and poetic stillness emphasising the gap between the
surroundings and ourselves, representing man’s failed attempt to converge
with the landscape.
In a new video work Antas recorded the morning mist gently dispersing over
a forest landscape. Ethereal loneliness echoes throughout this piece, which
is only punctuated by a couple of birds flying over the tree tops. A
selection of drawings are also included in the exhibition, whilst these are
monumental in scale they possess an ephemeral quality.
This exhibition has a sublime quality and romantic undercurrent, harking
back to Romanticism. The works appear to be suspended in a moment that is
devoid of life and action whilst a melancholic and poetic beauty resonates
throughout.
Axel Antas is represented by ROKEBY who have collaborated in the
organisation of this exhibition.
preview at Spacex Friday 16 May 6 - 8pm
Artist's Talk Saturday 5 July 2008 2pm, free, booking essential.
Axel Antas in conversation with writer and curator Liz Wells.
Spacex
45 Preston Street - Exeter
Free admission