London

In Dreams and Michael Patterson-Carver

Dreamy artwork meets political satire

Written by Aaron Jolly / 04 Oct 2010
Photos and illustrations by Main image: Tomasz Kowalski, ‘Untitled’, 2010; Courtesy: carlier | gebauer, Berlin; Timothy Taylor Gallery, London

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In dreams is an interesting exhibition at the Timothy Taylor gallery in the west end, it features established and emerging artists such as Volker Hueller, Kiki Smith and Tomasz Kowalski. Its themes explore dream-like worlds, characters and narratives constructed in the artists’ minds. Michael Patterson-Carver’s work, on the other hand, is altogether different being politically driven satirical illustrations.

The standout artists in the In Dreams exhibition were clearly Hueller and Kowalski. While they have distinctively different styles, both feature psychedelic imaginary characters floating between the realm of dreams and nightmares.

Kowalski’s paintings are striking from afar, his use of dark colours and symmetry create striking images. They seem familiar yet are far from reality, like some sort of a parallel universe. With his paintings being un-named, the viewer can place their own twist on what narrative these characters belong in.

Hueller’s works are far larger, consisting of three atmospheric watercolour and mixed media pieces on paper. His characters are made up of spidery line work with a lot of grotesque detail in the hands and faces. Multiple lines intersect the characters’ outline creating Picasso-esque abstract canvases that when you step closer you see a whole other dimension of detail.

Michael Patterson-Carver, Priority, 2010; Ink, pencil and watercolour on paper, 38 x 50.8 cm; Copyright: Michael Patterson-Carver.

Courtesy: Laurel Gitlen, New York; Timothy Taylor Gallery, London

Michael Patterson-Carver’s work though not part of the In Dreams exhibition is definitely worth a mention. His politically charged cartoon-like illustrations feature reoccurring black suited, earpiece wearing government agents who seem to be an omnipresent fixture. Watching over the inhabitants of Patterson’s all too real caricature of our world.

For future exhibitions check www.timothytaylorgallery.com