Exhibition
Deptford X 2023 : Artist Commissions
22 Sep 2023 – 01 Oct 2023
Lewisham Arthouse
London, United Kingdom
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Shaping: Metalsmiths Dual Dialogue
Exhibition
Shaping: Metalsmiths Dual Dialogue
22 Sep 2023 – 1 Oct 2023
Regular hours
- Monday
- 12:00 – 18:00
- Tuesday
- 12:00 – 18:00
- Wednesday
- 12:00 – 18:00
- Thursday
- 12:00 – 18:00
- Friday
- 12:00 – 18:00
- Saturday
- 12:00 – 18:00
- Sunday
- 12:00 – 18:00
Free admission
Address
- Second Floor Studios & Arts
- Mellish Ind Estate, Harrington Way
- London
- SE18 5NR
- United Kingdom
Event map
The exhibition consists of two artists: Xuemei Huang and Dengqian Xu , who have created a series of abstract exploration of metal as a medium, inspired by the legacy of the shipbuilding and metalwork in Deptford. The exhibition is one of the Fringe Projects in Deptford X Festival 2023.
About
Shaping: Metalsmiths Dual Dialogue is an exhibition that unites two artists: Xuemei Huang & Dengqian Xu, drawing inspiration from Deptford's rich history of metalworking. Through their shared medium of metal and abstract exploration of found objects, they engage in a profound artistic conversation that intertwines local heritage with contemporary expression.
Inspired by the Taoist philosophy “empty one’s minds but fills one’s bellies” Xuemei Huang utilises rugged and rusted metal, conveying a sense of fluidity and grace that stands in stark contrast to their inherent hardness.
Dengqian Xu delves into the emotional resonance of metal, channeling associations with violence. His performance and installations reveal a sense of powerlessness after a confrontation with tough metal.
The two artists will bring a metallic duet to Deptford X Festival 2023, infusing this community which is rich in metalworking history with a contemporary artistic language.
Public Event 30 Sept 15:00 -16:00
Art Performance:
Artist Xu will invite you to watch his own adventure, a perilous exploration of our familiar daily habits. A simple chair becomes a vessel for exploration, shaken with uncertainty, unsettling, tense and plunging into self-reflection.
Artist Talk:
Artists will interpret their artworks, sharing their creative thoughts and the process of drawing inspiration from the Deptford community. Please feel free to discuss with artists and ask questions!
Deptford X 2023: This year’s edition marks 25 years since Deptford X was established in October 1998. It takes a reflective look at the organisation’s history and the relationship of the festival to the changing landscape of Deptford.
Fringe Project: Over the course of the festival, the Fringe will take over Deptford, placing art in unexpected locations, rooted into the fabric of everyday lives. All sorts of artworks will be exhibited, such as installations in public spaces, shopfronts, cafes, market stalls, local galleries, and even in people’s homes.
