Solo show. Part of the undeniable charm of Hughes' work is its low-fi quality. He creates detailed simulacra and caricatures of mundane, everyday objects, counterbalanced with occasional interjections of the real. Exact replicas of rolls of masking tape and nails, Philip Gustonesque renderings of peas and sausages, mixed with actual records and magazines, evoke curiosity and delight.
The Showroom is pleased to announce that its is currently working with
London-based artist Des Hughes on his first solo show of newly commissioned
work, since graduating from Goldsmiths MA course in 2002.
Part of the undeniable charm of Hughes' work is its low-fi quality. He
creates detailed simulacra and caricatures of mundane, everyday objects,
counterbalanced with occasional interjections of the real. Exact replicas of
rolls of masking tape and nails, Philip Gustonesque renderings of peas and
sausages, mixed with actual records and magazines, evoke curiosity and
delight.
Hughes' juxtaposing the real and the illusionary in his work blurs the
boundaries between function and fantasy. The familiar remains recognisable,
but through Hughes's system of classification and presentation of 'things',
the most banal of objects are reconsidered and their own individual
characteristics are revealed. Many of his works resemble prototypes for what
might become functional objects. Among his more recent work are items that
could be seen as light fittings, seating units and occasional tables. Hughes
provokes a dilemma for the viewer as to how his work should be evaluated.
Taking Duchamp's principle of the readymade to a new level, Hughes' own
intricately hand-crafted ¼readymades' bring fact and fiction into question.
His work prompts an evaluation of culture's increasing obsession with
surface over content in a highly sophisticated, yet sublimely simple way.
For The Showroom, Hughes will create a new body of work that will continue
his process of reconfiguring everyday surroundings and common objects. A
series of human-scale figures, constructed from plastic pipe will become the
means of displaying medium and smaller scale works.
Des Hughes has made solo projects for Tablet Gallery and the Kate MacGarry
Gallery. In the past his work has also featured in group projects at Modern
Art Inc., VTO and Jeffery Charles Gallery.
For further information please contact either Kirsty Ogg or Andy Marsh on
020 8983 4115.
The Showroom is supported by Arts Council England. Project supported by The
Henry Moore Foundation.
8 October - 16 November 2003 Wednesday - Sunday 13.00 - 18.00hrs
Opening 7 October 19.00 - 21.00hrs
The Showroom 44 Bonner Road London E2 9JS
T. 020 8983 4115 F. 020 8981 4112
Nearest tube Bethnal Green on the Central Line. Buses 26, 48, 55, 106, 253,
254, 307, D3, D6.
Overground to Cambridge Heath.