Danse macabre. Embracing the idea of restriction, both conceptually and literally, James' series of ten drawings, 'Limited Means', was completed using a single blue biro, taking as its subject matter the fragility of the human form. In deliberately setting such constraints, James finds an unexpected vocabulary of marks and a fidelity of line in the most egalitarian and modest of mediums. Finding beauty in darkness, these grave images are at once romantic and macabre.
First Floor Projects is pleased to present the first solo exhibition in London of artist Ann-Marie James.
Embracing the idea of restriction, both conceptually and literally, James’ series of ten drawings, ‘Limited Means’, was completed using a single blue biro, taking as its subject matter the fragility of the human form.
In deliberately setting such constraints, James finds an unexpected vocabulary of marks and a fidelity of line in the most egalitarian and modest of mediums.
Referring to anatomical illustrations from such sources as Henry Gray’s seminal volume, each drawing combines detailed and precise renderings of bones and organs in elegant and unexpected forms, both organic and geometric. The consistency of the colour, the use of symmetry and the delicacy of line evoke both the aesthetic of Spode china and traditional engravings.
Finding beauty in darkness, these grave images are at once romantic and macabre.
In addition to ‘Limited Means’ James will also present a number of works in graphite and related small sculpture.
Ann-Marie James was born in 1981 and lives and works in London. She completed her BA (Hons) in Fine Art at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design in 2004 and has since gone on to exhibit in France, Venezuela, Portugal and the United States. In 2006 she undertook a residency and solo exhibition with Lantana Projects in Memphis, Tennessee, and has most recently exhibited in the Westminster Open 2009 and at The Mews Project Space, London.
Private View Wednesday 9th December & Thursday 10th December | 6.30 - 8.30pm
First Floor Projects
5 Redcliffe Gardens London SW10 9BG
Thursday to Saturday 12pm-6pm | All other times by appointment
closed from 23rd December 2009 - 6th January 2010