Contemporary Circle

Visit to the Home and Studio of Bouke de Vries

This week the Contemporary Circle were able to visit the home of Bouke de Vries a man of many, many talents. Training originally as a milliner he worked with Stephen Jones and John Galliano. He then re-trained as a ceramics restorer and has restored historical and contemporary works for museums and private collections all over the world.

A couple of years ago he began to create his own works out of unwanted or broken ceramics and his career has exploded. He's featuring in exhibitions all over the world and collaborating with fashion and jewellery designers. We were lucky enough to visit his studio and home to see his work in practice but also his amazing art collection.

Photographs from the visit to the studio of Tim Noble and Sue Webster

With Thanks to Helen David and Cathy Wills

Charlotte's Weekly Round-Up

ANISH KAPOOR RA – INDIA ART SUMMIT

Missing Kapoor’s work at the RA? Us too! If you get the chance (and happen to be in India) the Academician will be in conversation with Professor Homi K. Bhabha of Harvard University this Saturday at the India Art Summit’s Speakers’ Forum from 12-1pm. Bhabha’s work centres around theories of hybridization and the legacy of colonialism. He suggests that colonialism ought not to be seen as a historical relic but as one of the lens through which we view contemporary culture. He’s fascinating and insights into Kapoor’s work will worth the trip to New Delhi alone.

DO YOU HAVE A RESERVATION?

You know I like to break-up the arty stuff with the foodie stuff and this week I get to make it relevant too. The new-look RA restaurant opens today. Designed by Tom Dixon and showing off the RA’s own sculpture collection the new-look restaurant will take you somewhat by surprise. Book your table today: 020 7300 5608.

UNDER FIRE

Whilst this happened before Christmas the war is still raging in the States and has received relatively little coverage over here. The Smithsonian Institute has controversially bowed to pressure from the Catholic League to remove David Wojnarowicz’ 1987 video A Fire in My Belly from display. Wojnarowicz was a homosexual video artist and painter who died of AIDS related complications in the early 90s. Much of his work deals with the issues surrounding AIDS and the Church and this work in particular involves a shot of ants crawling over a crucifix. In response MOMA has put their copy of the work on display and The Andy Warhol Foundation has threatened to refuse all funding to future Smithsonian projects. Read more here: http://www.frieze.com/blog/entry/under-fire/

EXHIBITION OF THE WEEK

Robert Mapplethorpe: Night Work
Curated by the Scissor Sisters With…

The American super-photographer’s work curated by the “popular beat combo” the Scissor Sisters? Sounds unmissable to me!

Alison Jacques 41 - 42 Berners Street
19 January - 19 March 2011

Charlotte's Weekly Round-Up

Happy New Year! The art world never sleeps and we’re back with appointments, controversy and fantastic exhibitions for you.

GREGOR MUIR APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF THE ICA

Many of you will already know about the turmoil at the ICA but yesterday they announced that former YBA wild-child, author and Director at Hauser and Wirth gallery, Gregor Muir (pictured above with Tracey Emin RA) was announced as its new Director. His appointment follows the departure of Ekow Eshun and has been hailed an inspired choice for the institution. Will Gompetz, arts editor of the BBC has suggested his combination of commercial and public success is just what the ICA needs.

YES, BUT IS IT ART?

The contemporary art world has wrestled with that question since Duchamp plonked his urinal in a gallery. Seems the European Com¬mis¬sion has weighed into the argument (only a century late) and decreed that works by Bill Viola and Dan Flavin must be subject to pay full VAT. The art world it split and the decision raises old questions about where art begins and ends. Read more in The Art Newspaper and make your own mind up:

http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Flavin%20and%20Viola%20light%20works%20ruled%20%E2%80%9Cnot%20art%E2%80%9D/22069

DESIGNER GRUB

Notting Hill is apparently over and it’s all about Kensal Green now, particularly since Tom Dixon took it over. The designer, responsible for Habitat’s rebranding but more importantly the reworking of the Royal Academy’s restaurant, continues his domination of the Union Canal complex by permanently opening his Pop-Up Dock Kitchen. The food is fantastic and all the furniture is for sale – it’s hard to find though!

Portobello Docks
344/342 Ladbroke Grove
Kensal Road W10 5BU

EXHIBITION OF THE WEEK

Cindy Sherman - Sprüth Magers London

Cindy’s still at it – dressing up as other people, figures from history and fictional characters. Her work sees her play director, model, muse and photographer all at once. Catch it while you can.

January 12 - February 19 2011
7A Grafton Street, London, W1S 4EJ