Boring information first up (so we can just get it out of the way, that way we can get to the juicier stuff quicker):
- Current exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London.
- One of the last chances to see as it ends soon - 2nd November.
- It's FREE.
- It's literally the ant's pants. (Which I think is a phrase that should replace the bee's knees.)
Let me slightly expand on that very subtle introduction of ants that I just mentioned. Rafael Gomezbarros is the creator of Casa Tomada. One of the most stunning sculptural installations I have seen. As you enter the Saatchi Gallery turn left. This is the room you must go in first. And this is the room where Casa Tomada lives. (Possibly not the best place for anyone who has any sort of slight fear of creepy-crawlies (especially those of the ant type) as they are invading the first room that is part of this exhibition.)
Please stare at the picture above in horror/intrigue and you'll understand what I mean.
If you can bear to get closer and inspect the ants individually, you'll notice that their bodies are made up of the casts of human skulls. Now there is so much that you could read into this (especially if you find out about the artist and his history), but I'm going to let you make your own minds up.
Whilst in my opinion the other works in this exhibition aren't as impressive, they are most definitely worth seeing. The rest of the display contains much more 2D work: large, vibrant, colourful paintings that clash with their subject matter, photographs exploring traditional African masks and more muted large scale paintings that are balanced on numerous objects such as keyboards.
It's nice to see an exhibition that's sole purpose is to promote non-European art. And it does feel a little different from what we are usually confronted with when we enter a gallery.
So if you're intrigued by the ants alone, and happen to be in London before this exhibition closes, definitely go and see this! (And did I say it's free!!)
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