Conor Harrington
dal 1/5/2008 al 30/5/2008
Segnalato da
1/5/2008
Conor Harrington
Lazarides Gallery, London
Said the hero to the thief. Entirely abstract in form and content, the work explores the surface of the canvas as a backdrop for adventurous marks, trademark drips and brightly coloured strikes.
Following on from his solo show at Lazarides Gallery in London, WEEKEND
WARRIORS, this new series of work heralds a new way of working, while
maintaining Harrington’s signature style. Entirely abstract in form and content, the
work explores the surface of the canvas as a backdrop for adventurous marks,
trademark drips and brightly coloured strikes. Harrington’s working method – a
meticulous yet energetic process that produces a combination of drawn, painted
and sprayed marks across the canvas is engaged and, in its manifestation,
engaging. From his previous London show Weekend Warriors, the small
'Battle' series, abstract oil and aerosol paintings on paper led the way for the
development of a new all-abstract body of work. What remains after removing
his figurative centre piece is a cacophony of marks and tags and a burst of
energy more real than the realism represented before. Raw, visceral and
orgiastic, the looseness of the works shows the chaos of the urban
environment. Taking over, rubbing out and stamping your presence on the
streets, these works are a direct engagement with the act of graffiti.
In Malum Discodiae (illustrated left), cobalt blue stripes slice through the centre of
the energetic, darting tags beneath. Layer upon layer of harmonious paints and
sprays form a diverse but solid whole. Each element jostles for space and draws
the viewer in deeper and deeper. In Saturnalia (illustrated right), the trademark
white and red flash makes an appearance, as a lance striking through the splashes
and scrapes of more muted tones. Sideways drips rush towards the edge, while
crazy spirals uncover new smatterings of surface colour.
Harrington continues his dialogue between opposing elements, drawing a
parallel between contemporary urban culture and the original street invaders in
a sumptuous riot of paint and energy. Command, conquer and feast.
Harrington lives in London and has exhibited in various solo and group shows
across the United Kingdom as well as internationally. Solo exhibitions include
Weekend Warriors, Lazarides Gallery, London (2007), Represent!, Tigh Fili, Cork
(2004) and Quiet Riot, Stolen Space, London (2006). Group shows include Stench,
Lazarides Gallery, London (2006) and BMG AA, BLK/MRKT Gallery, LA (2007).
For this show, Harrington will also be working on-site on installation pieces in the
basement space. Lazarides Newcastle is delighted to present this new series of
fresh, exciting works by Conor Harrington.
Opening may 2, 2008
Lazarides Gallery
125 Charing Cross Road - London
Hours: Tues-Sat 11am-6pm
Admission: Free