
Political unrest and economic recession drive a desire towards authenticity
and integrity in life and consequently, also in art. Now seems a good time
to have a show that presents a directly accessible but inherently profound
art that is not dictated to by commerce or fashion.
This project was born of a Romantic ideal – to show work that originates
from an emotional and instinctive perspective as well as an intellectual one
- to provide a space where art is allowed to speak for itself, transcend
boundaries and defy categorisation, allowing the audience to engage in
the experience, unbound by explanation.
Much art has become distanced from its audience and has come to depend
upon outside information or a shared knowledge in order to bridge that gap.
While it be could argued that all art is conceptual, it is also essentially a
visual and experiential means of expression and communication.
A New Romance is not a movement and the contributing artists are not
pursuing common goals or aesthetic aims. Some of the artists are
established, others are recent graduates. The show will include
photography, film and sculpture alongside painting. What unites the work is
that it communicates directly to the audience without the need for translation.
‘Don't ask what it means or what it refers to. Don't ask what the work is.
Rather, see what the work does.' Eva Hesse.
A New Romance will provide a place for reverie.
Welcome.
Christos Tolera