Cloak and Dagger

About

Cloak and Dagger is a term rich with emotive implications. Now the title of Edgar Modern's winter exhibition, viewers can expect a dark and compelling feast for eyes and minds. The works in this Cloak and Dagger show all invoke suspicions of concealment and subterfuge. The paintings themselves are united by a surface beauty, seen in their rich use of colour, texture and form. This appeal is balanced however by a darkness difficult to define. One becomes lost in the intricately painted scenes of James McNaught and Andrew Lanyon; set in dreamlike worlds, the dark joy of these images is to transport the mind of the viewer. New to the gallery, Danish artist Henrik Simonsen's powerful images show a sinister side to nature, hinting at a tradition of Northern European still life painting through his own very contemporary discourse. Jesse Leroy Smith's paintings of children are characteristically unsentimental, portraying independent minds and spirits that are perhaps already darkened by the weight of the world around them. Just as intriguing are his new still life paintings on copper, bringing an element of opulence to his distinctive style. A time of celebration, bright lights and festivities, this season also brings with it a more contemplative side. Take time to remove yourself from the hustle and revel instead in the hidden beauty of this exhibition. For more information, please contact Katy Richardson or Tanya Coia.