AMSTERDAM!!

I visited a few galleries whilst in Amsterdam but the Stedlijk contemporary art museum was by far my favourite. There was an exhibition on by two men called Liet Heringa and Maarten van Kalsbeek. The title work of the exhibition is Cruel Bonsai and the work was created in 2005. The artists make their sculptures by mixing materials such as feathers, porcelain and artificial resin. I like the work so much not because I find it pleasing to look at, but because it is so interesting. Some of the forms created are amazing. I like the ones with a less 'solid' look than the more sturdy sculptures like the one on the poster below.
The beauty of this work is that there can never be two sculptures that are identical. The artists themselves say that they allow chance to play a role in the production of the work.

Tilleke Schwarz

Just thought I would leave a post about a textile artist called Tilleke Schwarz. I first read about her in Selvedge. She 'makes refined hand embroidery with contemporary themes.' This type of work is nothing like anything I have ever produced myself which is maybe why I find it so impressive. The detail of her sewing is amazing and I love her use of colour.

She claims her inspiration comes from folk art and daily life. She also works on paper (image below) but I prefer the stitched quality of her work, it seems more sophisticated.

So far I have only seen her work in a book or on the computer screen but I have tickets for the Knitting and Stitching Show 2007 where she is exhibiting. I'm really looking forward to seeing her work in real life.

The Tate in Liverpool

I was in Liverpool today so took the opportunity to visit the Tate Gallery down at the docks. I was pleased to find some more work by Bridget Riley; a whole rooms worth infact. My two favourite pieces were Cantus firmus and Fall (bottom pic).

Both of these pieces of work are really difficult to focus on without parts of them 'jumping' out at you. It must be hard to paint something that is so challenging on the eyes.

Another artist who's work I'm keen on is Andy Warhols. I love his use of colour in the 'Electric Chair Print Series' but I'm not struck on the theme. Damien Hirst also had one piece of work on show called 'Ever Present Spiritual Guidance'. It is a huge range of butterfly wings stuck onto a purple canvas. It is amazing. Firstly because it's so beautiful, and secondly because its entirely symmetrical. If I could have one piece of art work in my house, I think it may be this.

Leeds Art Gallery

I visited the Leeds gallery today. Thought I best start research for the critical studies essay. Now that I've been I feel a little spoilt for choice on what to 'formally analyse'. I enjoy Bridget Riley's work but the particular one on show (Winter Palace) was slightly hard going on the eyes. I think I'll end up choosing a work from the section entitled 'Still'. There is one I have my eye on by Lisa Milroy titled 'Shoes'. I find modern art inspiring and I enjoy the fairly large scale aspect of this piece. Edward Wadsworth also has a painting in this section called 'Dahlia'. The colours he has chosen work well together and I find it eye catching.