Exhibition
Charlie Chesterman and Chris King
From 23 May to 11 July 2022
Alcoholic drinks have been part of social interaction since ancient times, they can make us feel at ease, relaxed and assured. We can incorporate them in our routines either for their ability (some of them) to achieve an exquisite level of flavours and tonalities (like whisky and wine) hence helping our taste buds to expand so we can appreciate their sensorial beauty or if we go to the other end of the stick, they can be destructive, instigators and triggers of appalling behaviour. In this show the works by Charlie and Chris take us across these two extremes and their associations. Charlie is presenting a group of paintings that belong to a series that explores his relationship with the hospitality sector from materials to waste, including the human element as part of that process. In this show we can see some of the paintings about drinks and about the social interaction around them. His work as a waiter has allowed him to analyse, understand and explore this fascinated theme with an open, kind, no critical eye, an eye full of curiosity, imagination, and wonder. His use of colour and representation of the figure takes us back to movements like expressionism or fauvism however his approach to colour, new materials and composition is shaping its own artistic language. Chris’ photographs gravitate around that intense moment when eyes and soul are aligned being contemplation and deep appreciation one of the possible outcomes of this state of bless. Certainly, when we are in this state the pleasure of drinking a great glass of wine or whisky prolongs this mood opening other doors beyond the obvious. Chris has a great and sensitive eye for capturing the rapturous beauty of isolated landscape, architecture, or interiors but these images are not reportage they are loaded with nostalgia, anxiety and the somehow disturbing stillness that anticipates storms.
CHARLIE CHESTERMAN
Education:2016-2019: Central Saint Martins and 2015-2016Leeds College of Art. Solo exhibitions:2018. Recent Works, Chelsea Arts Club, Chelsea, London.Group exhibitions:2017-MUD, Doomed Gallery, Dalston, London and -LIL, Safe House, Peckham, London.2018 I’m not here, Camden Arts Centre, London and -Untitled (Close to Now), atthe Lever Gallery, Clerkenwell, London.2019:-Talking Point, Lethaby Gallery, Kings Cross, London.-Degree Show One, Central Saint Martins, Kings Cross, London.-Aucart lab, Baker Street, London.-Murmurations, Candid Arts Trust, Islington, London.-Clyde & Co Art Award, Aldgate, London.-Young Contemporaries, Aubergine Gallery, Wimbledon, London.
CHRIS KING
Chris captures the interplay between nature and the man-made environment, creating a subtle, surreal hybrid world where humans exist but are seldom seen. There is an abstract quietness illuminated with a delicate light that speaks of loneliness and the anonymity of the man-made environment but also contemplation and reflection. Interiors of houses reveal the activities and personalities of their inhabitants while hinting at life outside; landscapes reveal the evidence of human actions within their compelling beauty. Selected Exhibitions2018No Opportunity for Regret. Solo show. Ivy Brown Gallery, New York City. ;No Opportunity for Regret. Solo show. Curious Duke Gallery, London.201721st National Open Art Competition, London.2016National Open Art Winners' Gallery, Pallant House, Chichester; 2016National Open Art Winter Exhibition, London.; The Rooftop Collective Edition V, Clerkenwell Gallery, London.2015National Open Art Winners' Gallery, Pallant House, Chichester; National Open Art Competition, Royal College of Art, London.2013Holiday Show, M2 Gallery, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.; The Frontline Club10th Anniversary Exhibition, The Prix Bayeux Awards, Le Radar Gallery, Bayeux.Photographs from the Frontline Club, London. ;Crossing Borders, SusanMumford art projects + consultancy, Oxford American Annex, 1300 Main St, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.; Spaces in Transition, Curated by Maria Marro-Perrera.Hanmi Gallery, London.2012TheRooftop Collective Edition 2,theprintspace, London, October. Distilled Memory, Susan Mumford art projects + consultancy, Pop-up Exhibition at the Framers Gallery, London. 2011:The Everyday, Rooftop Collective exhibition, The Rooftop Gallery, Soho, London, curated by Susan Johnson Mumford.
Viewing Room
Selected works
Chris King
Maurice Living, 1 of 5
2014
C type print
75 x 112 cm
£ 1500
The thershold in a clinical way shows the separation of realities as if it is what is expected. There is a bid of a beautifully morbid assurance in it.
Chris King
Last Chance, 1 of 5
2016
C type print
75 x 112 cm
£ 1500
An American landscape in is vast, pop, crude and isolated reality and still beautiful.
Chris King
Fort Concho, 1 of 5
2015
C type print
75 x 112 cm
£ 1500
Serenity, stillness, beauty and that sense of nature domains are present in this photo.
Charlie Chesterman
Reception
2022
Oil, charcoal, collage, paper and glitter on canvas
70 x 60 cm
£ 1050
Visual clues to interior elements set the tone of a celebratory moment that will go probably too far.
Charlie Chesterman
The Groaning Negroni
2021
Oil, collage, glitter, fillet and wax on canvas
140 x 100 cm
£ 2350
The pop, festive use of the colour and the composition even though when offer visual pleasure has a menacing side.
Charlie Chesterman
Shambolic Alcoholics
2020
Oil, glitter, wax, acrylic, charcoal and collage
120 x 180 cm
£ 3250
Looking at this painting one is not sure if what is being shown is the mocking of the behaviour of heavy drinkers or celebrating their happy mood. In any case the close composition, the line and the expressive quality of the figures offer us a sharp mind and hand in play.
Charlie Chesterman
Still or Sparkling?
2020
Oil, glitter, wax, acrylic and charcoal on canvas
40 x 30 cm
£ 1850
This is Charlie's jewl in the exhibtion in the sense that with its small dimensions it has it all: the language, the sense of humour, the composition and that distinctive dark message.
Artwork availability and private viewings
For availability, pricing, or a private viewing, send an enquiry and we will respond with the relevant information and a bank-transfer invoice where appropriate.