Monday, June 10, 2013

Geep! Hannah Battershell's first solo show!

I had the pleasure of attending the opening of a new art exhibition at the Curwen Gallery in Central London last week.


If you have been reading this blog for a while, you will know by now, that the hubs and I enjoy visiting galleries and getting our culture on.  This however, was especially exciting, as the artist in question is my dear friend Hannah Battershell, and this is her first solo art exhibit!

Here are some photos of us over the years...


I've been friends with Hannah since we were around 16 years old, and I've admired her quirky artistic flair for as long as I've known her.  She has, of course had her work exhibited prior to this, however, as this is her first solo show, it is even more momentous - I am so proud of her!


Upon entering the exhibition, you will notice that Hannah recycles unique and vintage, but otherwise everyday objects such as tins and buttons and turns them into works of art.  The incorporation of these found objects in her work demonstrates her sense of imagination, and the idea that you can transform discarded objects into curiosities by giving them a new lease of life.


What strikes me is the attention to detail and the actual size of a lot of her work - magnifying glasses are provided, as at first glance you could miss the level of depth, three dimension and detail that Hannah layers onto, say, a tiny button.


Inspired by literature, as well as her own imagination, Hannah creates beautiful and fascinating works of art, which are both delicate and surreal.  Walking around the exhibition, you are transported to a fantasy world where everything is a little bit topsy-turvy - even if you don't, at first, realise it...


The exhibition runs until the 29th June 2013 at the Curwen & New Academy Gallery.  The photos I took for this post don't capture all the detail, and also feature the glare and reflections against the glass...so go along to the gallery and have a look at Hannah Battershell's work for yourselves.

16 comments:

  1. Oh Mel, my gorgeous friend. This post brought a little tear to my eye. So many hugs of thanks to you. Such a privilege. Han xxxx

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    1. Awwww beautiful Hannah! :) I am glad you liked my little write-up! Your work is just soooooo amazing and unique and clever - I love it! I am so proud of you girlie!!! I still have all the cards and badges you made me for past birthdays! xxx

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  2. How exciting and a big congrats to your friend on her first solo show! She has some lovely work and I really admire her ability to do such a great amount of detail on that scale. That has to take some patience and good eyesight! Nice you have remained friends for so long. You must be so proud of her!

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    1. I am! Y'know I was saying the same thing to Hannah - I am amazed at her patience creating so much detail and depth on such a tiny scale. It is even more impressive when you see her work in person, and you look at the detail through a magnifying glass!

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  3. Love her art style. Too bad I'm in the US. Congrats to her!

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    1. Me too! Maybe one day her art work will make it to an exhibition in the USA! :)

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  4. These are wonderful! I won't be able to get to the exhibition myself as I live too far away but they're all really interesting. A few of the pieces remind me of Tim Burton's style.

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    1. You are spot on - some of her pieces remind me of Tim Burton too! Magical and fantastical with a little creepiness thrown in too... :)

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  5. How very wonderful! Happiest congrats to your dear friend on her show - I so wish I lived on your side of the pond so that I come admire more of her marvelous work in person.

    ♥ Jessica

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    1. I am determined for you to come to London one of these days Jessica - I will be your tour guide! :)

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  6. These are just fantastic. Like truly. Tapped into my aesthetic and appreciation perfectly. Beautiful!

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    1. What a lovely thing to say! I agree - I absolutely love Hannah's work! You should go check it out if you get the chance!

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  7. What a lovely post! How wonderful that you featured your friend's work! Hannah's work is stunning! As an artist myself, I would love to have my own show/exhibit! Oh what a dream! Anyway, Hannah is so talented and I know you are so proud! :)

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    1. Thanks Tara! I am sure you will have a show of your own one day! What is your style of art work like? I would love to see it! :)

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  8. Oh I love her stuff. It quirky and creepy! Right up my alley.

    Wendi

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    1. Ditto! It's really fascinating in person as you just can't believe how much detail she can fit onto such miniscule spaces.

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