P r o g r a m m i n g M y t h

About

This exhibition brings together the work of Adam Dix and Tim Phillips as they explore the relationship between communication, reverence and power.

Drawing on influences as varied as the nostalgic aesthetic of 1950's B-movies, science fiction, communist propaganda and religious symbolism, Adam Dix imagines a parallel existence where communication technology is revered. Here the original functions of the phone mast and satellite dish are forgotten; they now appear as remnants of a bygone era, recorded in layer upon layer of oil and ink, devoid of their technological capacity, carried in processions, bowed to in ritual, and worshipped. The community is united in a collective function of social exchange through the conduit of a shaman character who harnesses their faith.

While many coats of colour wash and varnish are carefully built up, the economy of marks and the resonating outlines echo the experience of an ancient television set giving the glowing impression of an image through pastel colours and monochrome. The painting process and colour palette refer to 1950s lithographic printing techniques ushered in as the Cold War brought about an explosion in communication technology.

Ranging from monolithic sculptures to smaller, more personal objects Tim Phillips' work is fabricated from a mixture of traditional inlaid precious woods combined with materials such as brass, acrylic and textile. Focused on the power of visual communication, the languages of corporate, religious and occult imagery are distilled into their constituent shapes, colours, materials and patterns. Together they create a peculiar sense of overarching grandeur, instrumental throughout history in legitimising rulers and regimes, glorifying gods, and stamping the mark of authority on companies and organisations.

Phillips' sculptures resonate in Dix' parallel world, almost as though the figures depicted interact with these objects in ritual and devotion. Repeatedly featured in Dix' work is the shaman: a point of communication with the dead and the divine in many cultures. Here, these characters use redundant technology as props or symbols of their power while replacing its communicative function. Authority is assumed through objects, rituals and dress, with a similar function to the theatrical façade of Phillips' sculpture.

Just as two-dimensional cardboard trees and a painted cloth backdrop ask that the viewer give shape and depth to a stage show forest; the colours, materials and patterns in Phillips' work purport the illusion of grandeur. Wafer thin strips of exotic woods are enough to convince the viewer of a supposed opulence. A precedent for this can be found in venerated religious triptychs whose surfaces often conceal a structure that is less than perfect. Identiying the cloaks worn by different institutions Phillips draws them together into a precise patchwork of languages.

On being invited into Dix and Phillips' parallel world, a very real echo persists - in order to exist, authority, myth, status and legend must be communicated. Without this there would be little to revere.

Adam Dix is a graduate of Wimbledon College of Art. Exhibitions include On the Horizon: New Generation British Painters, Marine Contemporary, Los Angeles (2012), Fratenise, Beaconsfield, London (2011), Exam, Transition Gallery, London (2011), Catlin Art Prize, The Tramshed, London (2011), Unobtrusive Measures, Schwartz Gallery, London (2011), Transmission. Haunch of Venison, London (2011), Keep Me Posted (curated by Julia Royse), Posted Projects, London, Future Map. 20 Hoxton Square, London (2009), Black Dog Yellow House, Trolley Gallery, London (2009), Creekside Open (Jenni Lomax) APT Gallery, London (2009) and the Jerwood Drawing Prize, London (2007).

Tim Phillips is a graduate of Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art. Solo exhibitions include Heaven's Gate, Boyschool Projects, London (2009). Group shows include India Art Fair (with ABZ Projects), New Delhi (2012), Marc Philip van Kempen & Tim Phillips, LoBe Gallery, Berlin (2011), Manderley, John Jones Project Space, London (2009), Innerer Klang, Rod Barton, London (2009), I AM by birth a Genovese, Vegas Gallery, London (2009), Florence Trust, London (2009), Salon08, VINEspace Gallery, London (2008), Landslide, CGP, London (2008) and Art Below Zero @ The Whitechapel Gallery, Whitechapel Project Space (2008).