MAT COLLISHAW: VITACIDE: Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, New York

January 12 - February 18, 2012
Installation Views
Press release

Tanya Bonakdar Gallery is pleased to present the sixth solo exhibition of work by British artist Mat Collishaw. Collishaw creates sculpture, installation and photo-based works that confront issues of moral ambiguity with formally stunning and alluring imagery, and often re-contextualize the impact of more disturbing or sinister subject matter. Mining the fertile ground between seduction and repulsion, reality and artifice, the works captivate the viewer with their compelling incorporation of beauty and horror in equal measure.

 

A Gothic style is reflected more in the subject matter than in the actual presentation, as the artist seeks to embody elements of this tradition in a contemporary context. Collishaw's work often provokes an emotional reaction, simultaneously induced by fear and wonder. Upon further contemplation however, the viewer encounters ideas that underlie both the immediate beauty and the initial darkness - additional layers that provide a depth of understanding and elevate our emotional connection to the work.




All installation images above: Photo by Jean Vong