Lachlan Thom, “Boob Tube” (2014), oil on canvas, 38.5 x 43.7 in
Garis & Hahn is pleased to present DREAMLAND, a group exhibition featuring mixed-media installation, painting, sculpture, and film by London artists, all of whom will be showing in the US for the first time. An essential commonality between all the artists featured in this exhibition are their varied strands of connection to Britain — some are of British heritage whereas others have chosen the UK as a base to continue developing their artistic practice. The works, curated by Grace Schofield and Preeya Seth, embrace organic and imaginative possibilities over the sleek refinement often privileged by aggressively commoditized contemporary art.
Titled after the now defunct theme park situated in the English seaside town of Margate, DREAMLAND promises a venture into playfulness and sincerity that could be seen to serve as a direct response to the current art market’s focus on hyper-polished works and the use of expensive materials. The collection, chosen for its carnivalesque content, invites and encourages viewers to explore eccentricity and the complexities of the imagination. Guests can expect a vibrant and spontaneous show that unveils the potency of conscious and subconscious dreaming.
While vast and varied in scope, these spirited works are bound by the way they all fuse together intensity, integrity and imagination with uncanny delight. Their conversation with one another — and with the viewer — creates a space that is authentic, engaging and welcoming to all those who value philosophy just as much as play. This space is called DREAMLAND, and the viewer is invited to come and share in the possibilities.
DREAMLAND
A group exhibition featuring: Sam Austen, Stefania Batoeva, Nigel Dunkley,
Sophie Lee, Alex Rathbone, Guy Rusha, John Tiney and Lachlan Thom.
Curated by Grace Schofield and Preeya Seth
DREAMLAND opens Wednesday, May 7, 2014 with an evening reception between
6–8pm. The exhibition will be on view May 7–June 14, 2014 at Garis & Hahn, located at 263 Bowery in New York City.
