The exhibition ‘Selective Memories’ brings together a collection of talented students and graduates from l’École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris (ENSBA). This cultural exchange between London and Paris is made possible by Winsor & Newton, Liquitex, Conté à Paris and Lefranc & Bourgeois, who have been working with students from three ateliers (studios) over the past year.
This new show at West London’s Griffin Gallery investigates the role of art materials within contemporary art practice. Students have developed original work in response to their personal experience of using the materials. The paint, sketching tools and printing inks become catalysts for the individual artists’ unique creative approach, and their works in dialogue with one another form a compelling example of the limitless possibilities of materials and creative imagination.
L’École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris is a historic landmark of prestigious grounds, dedicated to the study of all artistic endeavours. Students experience an intensive five-year education; learning from the Masters programmes in their respective fields to better express themselves as budding artists and as individuals. Each year brings new challenges and deepens the students’ understanding of the developing artistic world.
The opportunity to introduce and explore tools and technologies from the latest research in the field of fine art materials forms part of the Griffin Gallery’s commitment to developing the careers of the next generation of contemporary artists. The students were introduced to innovative products from water-mixable oils and printing inks, to solvent-free acrylic spray paints, mixable with more traditional acrylic paint. These developing technologies expand the potential of each artist to approach their work with greater freedom and enhance their practice.
Curated by Griffin Gallery Director, Becca Pelly-Fry, the exhibition is centred on the artists’ shared interest in breaking apart traditional modes of creating artworks. Though their approach is a dynamic mix of abstract, figurative and graphic work, the exhibiting artists are united in their respect for the importance of a foundation in art history.
Selective Memories – Griffin Gallery – until 17 April 2015