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21/11/2001

Wallace and Farrer

Rebecca Hossack Gallery, London

Alasdair Wallace

Alasdair Wallace is a rare painter for our age. He is a brilliant technician, his works are sophisticated in terms of both their accessibility to the spectator, and the complexity of thought which lies behind them. A rare combination. "Bizarre, odd but subtle," is how the artist describes them and this is true, although the spectator might add ‘alluring’ or ‘fascinating’. In a style that is characterised by a very tight and carefully orchestrated formal composition combined with an unusual density and richness of colour, Wallace creates what he calls "landscape inventions". These are drawn from the worlds of his artistic predecessors - Bosch, Giorgione and Breughel are among those who he cites as influences - as well as first hand study of early renaissance and mediaeval art, which he admires for its sense of the absurd and fascination with the unusual.

The juxtaposition of images is often disconcerting, stimulating the mind of the spectator and encouraging a depth of interaction between viewer and work that is rare, and especially rewarding as it is tempered with a gentle humour. Individually, details from his work are as engaging and fascinating as the whole painting. It is the stuff that modern mythology could and should be made from. We are able to read our own narratives into each work, they are catalysts to our imaginations and as such are extremely valuable objects. Wallace’s statements about his work show this to be intentional: "Images occur to me, they ring a bell somewhere in my head. Sometimes the significance is obvious to me, sometimes not, but that is of no consequence to the onlooker. The poignancy of the image should enable other viewers to concoct their own significances."

Wallace has trained in Glasgow, Dublin and Northern Italy, and the result of this work is ripe with ideas, sources and technical devices absorbed through these experiences. The work is powerful and alluring, and won him second prize in the Alasdair Gilchrist-Fisher Memorial Award in 1994, as well as a selection of exhibitions in England and Scotland.


David Farrer

'My favoured subject matter is ecological, having a strong interest in 'green' matters. My work reflects this. The recycled head concept came about four years ago while working in South Africa. Over the years I have travelled extensively in this part of the world and never cease to be amazed by its beauty and abundant wildlife. From an outsiders point of view however, there seem to be curious contradictions in the country in more ways than one. There are admirable wildlife protection policies in operation, yet hunting and specifically trophy gathering remains big business too. I decided to bridge the gap by producing a 'recycled trophy,' that would satisfy the urge to hang an animal head on the wall but provoke pro-ecological thought.

Made primarily from old magazines (and as a feature they remain obviously so) they are an alternative - lacking the implications of the 'real thing' and incorporating modern ideals of recycling and conservation, with a touch of humour thrown in too! Individual pieces contain 'recycled extras' for added realism. I am friends with my village farrier who supplies me with horse hair and the occasional equine tooth. Although the idea was born in Africa I have diversified into European and North American beasts such as deer, bears, moose and bulls, which to some sections of the public have more 'local' familiar appeal'. David Farrer

David Farrer has exhibited his work in London, Harrogate, Liverpool, Halifax, Leeds & Johannesburg.

Image: Alasdair Wallace, Flats, Acrylic on Paper 28 x 43 cm

Opening hours: monday - saturday 10am - 6pm

The Rebecca Hossack Gallery opened in central London in March 1988. n 2000 the RHG opened The Charlotte Street Gallery as an additional showcase for its artists

The Rebecca Hossack Gallery
35 Windmill Street, London W1T 2JS
Telephone: 0207-436 4899 Fax: 0207-323 3182

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