galleries

Bearspace

152 Deptford High Street
London
London SE8 3PQ
020 86948097
0777 5940464
info@bearspace.co.uk
www.bearspace.co.uk
Wed-Sat 12.30-5.30
Tube New Cross; BR Deptford; DLR Deptford Bridge

BEARSPACE is delighted to present “lodging”, an exhibition presenting new works by Joep Overtoom. His paintings ponder contemporary solidarity- consciously retreating to a life alone with nature. Further explored, is Overtoom’s interest in the fantastical construction of an environment consisting of one. The viewer is placed as both an active participant, playing within the landscape put forth by the artist. At the same time, the viewer remains an ominous observer, examining the relationship between solitary individuals (perhaps Overtoom himself) and the natural world.

These new large-scale works combine traditional painting techniques with materials such as faux-plants, wood-siding and packing tape. The work depicts nature in a schematised fashion. The natural world is constructed as a temporal “weekend-away” nature, rather than an authentic experience. Furthermore, the combining of paint with DIY materials, which are currently inexplicably linked to post-apocalyptic survival, refers to the contemporary survivalist movement.

“lodging”, explores the notions of self-constructed spaces and it’s effects on the immediate natural surroundings; oscillating between utopian and dystopian. Throughout this exploration, Overtoom’s interest in the boyish imaginary influence the lively painting methods that comprise the exhibition.

Exhibitions Wastestate 01.May - 31.May.08, PLAY 01.Nov - 16.Nov.07, If I Was a Sculptor, (But Then Again No) 25.May - 23.Jun.07, Represent: 24.Apr - 05.May.07, Represent: 10.Apr - 21.Apr.07, Represent: 27.Mar - 07.Apr.07, Represent: Karen Ludmann 13.Mar - 24.Mar.07, New paintings 24.Nov - 22.Dec.06, Twang twang dreamland 13.Oct - 11.Nov.06, New utopia 01.Sep - 30.Sep.06, Mindustrial evoloution 30.Jun - 29.Jul.06, Phantom 19.May - 17.Jun.06, Vacant and violent 07.Apr - 06.May.06