Another Kind of Tension, Paul Housley and Magdalena Drwiega

About

At first glance this pairing seems a fairly disparate one but closer inspection reveals a number of shared interests and aims. Housley tends to stick to figuration and plays around with the traditional genres of portraiture and still life. Drwiega works in bold colours and bold forms, often using plastic, rubber and concrete to create a contemporary take on modernist sculptural tropes.

Both artists work in 2D and 3D and have a shared interest in the use of bold colour. Both have a strong drawing practice and are prolific in their production of works on paper.

The title of the show (a play on the title of a Buzzcocks album -"A Different Kind of Tension) can be seen as both acknowledgement and celebration of the tension derived from putting two artists works together in a confined space, doubled down by the mix of 2D and 3D work. It also makes a sly reference to the difficult times we live in and the frenetic energy, passion and commitment it takes to be and remain an artist.