L'Empreinte

About

Private View: Tuesday 1 October, 6 - 8 pm

Drinks Reception for West End Night: Thursday 3 October, 6 - 8 pm

The gallery will also exceptionally be open on Saturday 5 October, 10 am - 6 pm

The imagery we often associate with the term "imprint" is the one of a feral stamp, left without intention on a path by "someone or something". The mark on the soil becomes proof of a past presence, while making the viewer an indirect witness of its passage.

An imprint can also be made with strategic intent, as a product emanating pre-determined visual references. This meaning of the term illustrates the different possibilities the imprinting process can materialise. Its purpose can be ephemeral or permanent, physical or abstract; its goal to forge values, make socio-political statements or report personal experiences.

Handprints are still among the most archaic ways known to humans to leave an intentional sign on a surface. However, in the exhibition at Olivier Malingue, imprint-related processes, techniques and mediums allow a wide range of alternatives in relation to the development of an artistic body of work. Featuring works that are the result of direct imprints on a surface or the representation of visual narratives associated to the domain of the imprint, the exhibition focuses on how the act and the imagery of the imprint has had an impact on modern and contemporary art.