Exposure at Imitate Modern

Located on Marylebone high street, Imitate Modern poses as a space where emerging artists are able to create a following. The gallery emphasises a frank, urban nature; most definitely achieved through the inclusion of fresh new faces that are developing recognition amidst the art world as well as forming a specific niche within their practice.

The current exhibition, Exposure, includes works by some of the galleries familiar exhibitors as well as a variety of new names. The artists include: Day-Z, Luc Waring, Paul Oz, Daniel Sachon, The Dotmasters, Louis-Nicolas Darbon, Maisie Garner-Currie, Pam Glew, Joanna Ham, Buki Koshoni and Victoria Sin. The works displayed are linked by their use of the monochrome palette. This projects a kind of rawness, escaping the distractions of colour and stripping the imagery back to its basic details. The lack of colour successfully highlights the versatile use of mixed media that sets each artist apart. The unification of these various techniques such as oil on canvas, photography and ink illustrations, creates a striking impact.

The title of the exhibition echoes the directness of the works, suggesting an unveiling or a kind of revelation. Female nudes are depicted as ruthless and the vulnerability that often comes with exposure is abolished entirely. The space is fuelled with an array of seductive, tongue-in-cheek art works that will provoke an entirely mixed audience reaction.

The gallery’s desire to create an informal, edgy environment lends itself to global recognition, however there is the issue of audience appeal. The work displayed within Imitate Modern is perhaps aimed at the younger generation or those with a fondness for popular culture. Despite this, Exposure is effective in its simplicity and successfully showcases the talent of its hopeful artists, many of who have used this exhibition as a platform in order to assert their presence in the art world.

Ellie Isaacs

Exposure is at Imitate Modern from 19^th July until 16^th August 2014. For further information visit the gallery’s website here.