Workshop
Workshop: Finding the right opportunity
14 Nov 2019
Vane
Gateshead, United Kingdom
Mark Devereux Projects presents Over Ground Uneven, a solo exhibition of new work by British artist Charlie Franklin at Vane, Newcastle.
The exhibition addresses the artist’s research and experiences of the landscape and how structures within it can become anchors to determine our sense of place. Franklin’s use of subtle colour within her work seeps through the surfaces of her jewel-like sculptural forms.
Shiny, reflective and territorial, this body of work marks its place within the gallery space, encouraging a physical encounter. The artwork’s seemingly weighty forms are manipulated to resemble totems or cairns, inviting the viewer to peer into its crevices and hollows.
Franklin blurs the boundaries between sculpture and painting, questioning how they can be approached. Using materials and forms often associated to sculpture; Franklin builds up two-dimensional surfaces, which become loosely shaped or crushed to function as three-dimensional objects. The resulting work appears fragile and damaged, often teetering on the brink of collapse.
Charlie Franklin commented: “I have spent time reconsidering how my work can act as landmarks or signposts within the territory of the gallery space. By experimenting with new patination techniques and processes, unforeseen impressions are revealed. This element of chance questions my control while making, allowing for a more theatrical approach to the presentation of the work.”
Mark Devereux added: “Following our solo presentation of Charlie’s work at The Manchester Contemporary last year, we have been working with her to support the development of this ambitious new body of work. Over Ground Uneven signals an exciting new direction within Charlie’s practice, which we’re proud to be working alongside Vane to present.”
Charlie Franklin (b.1983) lives and works in London. Franklin studied at Middlesex University (2005 - BA Fine Art) and Chelsea College of Art & Design (2008 – MA Fine Art). Recent exhibitions include John Moores Painting Prize 2018 (Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool), Creekside OPEN selected by Alison Wilding (APT, London), In Nothing Flat (Old Granada Studios, Manchester) and the Kunst Altonale Festival (Hamburg, Germany). Franklin has undertaken artist residencies in the UK, Ireland and Iceland, and in 2017 was selected for Mark Devereux Projects StudioBook programme. Charlie Franklin is represented by Mark Devereux Projects.
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