An Exhibition by members of the Royal Society of Sculptors:
‘ON THE EDGE’
A key exhibition by members of the Royal Society of Sculptors at Espacio Gallery 14 – 19 March 2023 (159 Bethnal Green Road, London, E2 7DG).
The Private View will take place on Thursday 16 March 2023 18:00 – 21:00.
The exhibition explores the relevance of sculptural practices, at a time when the world is On the Edge of uncertainty.
After more than 75 years of peace in Europe, it may seem like we have taken the idea of stability for granted. Generations have enjoyed decades of economic growth, innovation and comfortable living conditions. Since the outbreak of the War in Ukraine last February, and with the energy crisis that has ensued, not to mention Climate Change that has been reshaping our landscapes for decades; this era of stability that we have all enjoyed feels more tenuous than ever. As sculptors, we create not only for aesthetic purposes, but in order to push boundaries, challenge the status quo and to inspire positive change in society. To this end, a group of artists formed by members of the Royal Society of Sculptors based in London, have gathered to make work in response to and in order to reflecting upon what it means to have a sculptural practice in today’s times, in the context of war and climate change. At a time when the world is on the edge of uncertainty, how and why should we respond as artists?
The exhibition co-curated by Tere Chad, Caroline Russell and Emma Elliott takes a quote from the Ukrainian poet Boris Khersonsky, that has inspired debate and discussion between the exhibiting artists throughout almost a year of online meetings:
‘Every hut in our beloved country is on the edge. And to be honest, I’m on the edge too. I feel sorry for the ones at the centre, but really I’m especially sorry for the ones in the camp towers, watching the frosty distance…’
Integral to this exhibition are Ukranian artists Boris Krylov and Oles Sydoruk, and Iranian artist Farnoush Amini who will be making work that will be highlighting the ongoing conflicts in their home countries. The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of public events including an online lecture with the non-profit organisation Artists at Risk which provides refuge to artists fleeing from war, persecution or oppression. The exhibition is sponsored by Chilean wine company Arboleda.
Oles Sydoruk expresses his thoughts from Kiev:
“Today's world has accelerated its way to the abyss. Humanity destroys all living things and thereby condemns humanity to self-destruction. The war in Ukraine is a vivid example of senseless, bloody, harsh aggression of a state that does not want to coexist with the civilised world, ignoring all norms of humanity and the norms of the world order. This is a vivid example of not wanting to develop oneself as a state, but trying to seize foreign territories using medieval methods in order to satisfy one's own imperial ambitions. In my opinion, our task as artists with our works is to convey this message to the world community and to contribute to stopping the bloody monster, which threatens the existence of the world with its actions.”
PV: Thursday 16 March 2023 18:00 – 21:00
OPENING HOURS: 14 – 18 March 11:00 – 18:00 & 19 March 10:00 – 14:00
VENUE: Espacio Gallery, 159 Bethnal Green Road, London, E2 7DG (closest tube station: Bethnal Green; overground station: Shoreditch High Street; Bus: Brick Lane bus stop, take 8 or 388 from Liverpool Street Tube Station towards Shoreditch High Street).
CONTACT: terechad@hotmail.com
ARTISTS: Boris Krylov MRSS, Oles Sydoruk MRSS, Farnoush Amini MRSS, Nicola Anthony MRSS, Pauline Antram MRSS, Barbara Beyer MRSS, Elspeth-Billie-Penfold MRSS, Johanna Bolton MRSS, Paul Bonomini MRSS, Julie Brixey-Williams MRSS, Denise Bryan, Tere Chad MRSS, Emma Elliott MRSS, Susie Olczak MRSS, Stephen Duncan FRSS, Cheryl Gould MRSS, Alexandra Harley MRSS, Nayoung Jeong MRSS, Sandra Lane MRSS, Briony Marshall MRSS, Claire McDermott MRSS, Mark Richards MRSS, Caroline Russell MRSS, Christy Symington MRSS, Almuth Tebbenhoff FRSS, Poppy Whatmore MRSS, Caro Williams MRSS, Emma Woffenden MRSS
PUBLIC EVENTS PROGRAMME:
ONLINE PANEL DISCUSSION: Wednesday 22 February 18:00 – 19:00. Guest Speakers: Artist at Risk Directors Ivor Stodolsky & Marita Muukkonen, Ukrainian artists Boris Krylov and Oles Sydoruk, Phil Barton Sustainability First Chair. Facilitated by Tere Chad.
WALKSHOP: Saturday 18 March 11 – 13hrs, art walk facilitated by Elspeth-Billie-Penfold (£10)
PLASTIC MOUNTAIN WORKSHOP: Saturday 18 March 14 – 17hrs, suitable for families facilated by Briony Marshall (free)
GUIDED TOUR 1: Friday 17 March 18 – 20hrs, facilitated by Tere Chad.
GUIDED TOUR 2: Sunday 19 March 11 – 13hrs, facilitated by Denise Bryan.
