Shoreditch based Guerilla Galleries plan to up the ante for its next show following the success of its 100% NUDE art show, which saw hundreds of visitors – many of whom stripped-off for the occasion – make the two-day art exhibition a resounding success.
Some 600 art lovers rocked-up to Islington’s iconic Daniel Libeskind Space for the event that displayed more than 100 works of nude art from 25 artists. Despite having to queue into the cold January night, punters were not deterred.
“I found the event highly enjoyable and one that provided a fresh perspective on the relationship between art and the naked body,” said first-night visitor Steve Ritter. “Although the event was clothing-optional, the majority of patrons opted to strip completely. I entered with nothing on except the glasses on my face.”
The gallery took the unusual step of hosting two private views after first opening the show to the general public. Gallery director Tony André said: “We do things differently. We don’t go out of our way to be unconventional, it just happens – offering a different perspective is what we are all about.”
Guerilla Galleries initially asked two-dozen new and emerging artists to interpret the role of the nude through their works of art and creativity. With gallery directors Keeley Wynn, Laurie Felipé and André all talking a hand in the selection process, an interesting mix of styles and artist characters was guaranteed.
Work featured included artists from around the country and that included, Hock Tee Tan, Cloe Cloherty, Pouka, Pilar Camino Alcon (Piluca), Jeanie Mester, Randolph Hoyte, Gareth Morgan, David Agenjo, Caroline Truss and Debra Taylor with installations and sculptures from Eliza Freespirit, Selma Dahhouki and Michaela Mysakova amongst others.
Wynn said: “The show is both a celebration and an investigation into the role of the nude in modern times. Traditionally the nude in art history is rotund, plump-curvy and Rubenesque, but where do we stand today?”
Charlotte Ratcliffe’s naughty four photograph series and Mysakova’s Untitled spread eagle cocoon best challenges the lewd and crude notion, while Dahhouki’s live performance piece Between a Rock and a Hard Place which saw her entombed naked beneath bricks for two-hours explores the juxtaposition of naked and nude.
But despite its popularity the show was slightly toned down on its transfer to Kingsland Road in Shoreditch where viewing has been by appointment only until January 24.
A Guerilla Galleries spokesman said: “All we’ve done is guarantee that there won’t be people traipsing nude through the streets of Shoreditch to see the work, but Guerilla Galleries supports inclusivity – and in the battle for social cohesion if more people did what could we do?”
The next big Guerilla Galleries outing is scheduled for Easter with a show entitled ART & PROTEST for which submissions are open.
Punters wishing to book an appointment to view 100% NUDE @ Guerilla Galleries (London) space should call 02077 494846/ 07598 922118 to make an appointment.
For further information, please contact:
Tony André or Keeley Wynn at Guerilla Galleries (London) on +44 (0) 2077 494846.
Alternatively, you can e-mail Tony@guerillagalleries.com, Keeley@guerillagalleries.com, Info@guerillagalleries.com
Guerilla Galleries
Hatchery Two
35 Kingsland Road
Shoreditch
London E2 8AA
www.guerillagalleries.com
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