John Currin's 'Opening Credits' at Sadie Coles: Distorted Figures and Arcadian Landscapes
The exhibition 'Opening Credits' by John Currin is showcased at Sadie Coles' Savile Row location in London and will be open until 12th September. This collection presents new artworks that merge distorted figures with serene landscapes, drawing inspiration from models featured in Montgomery Ward and Sears catalogs, live subjects, and historical art references. The paintings portray women with exaggerated traits set against 'Arcadian' backdrops, including imagery of Ukraine's war-affected forests. Key works include 'Followers' and 'Wonderland'. In a podcast episode of 'Talk Art' with Robert Diament, Currin elaborated on his artistic techniques and how a cataract surgery affected his sight. The exhibition, part of the summer lineup, also showcases film pieces by Helen Marten and nods to artists such as Monet and Manet.
Key facts
- John Currin's exhibition 'Opening Credits' is at Sadie Coles, 17 Savile Row, London, until 12th September.
- The exhibition features new paintings combining pastoral landscapes with distorted, contradictory figures.
- Works include 'Followers' and 'Wonderland', each oil on canvas, 40.6 x 53.3 cm.
- Currin drew inspiration from Montgomery Ward and Sears catalogues, live models, mannequins, and art history.
- Trees in the paintings are based on images of forests shredded by armaments in Ukraine.
- Currin discussed his work on the 'Talk Art' podcast with Robert Diament, Season 28.
- The show also includes film work by Helen Marten.
- Paul Carey-Kent selected the show as his 'Show of the Month' for FAD magazine.
- Currin's imagery has persisted since the 1980s, described as 'comedic, yet sentimental and poignant'.
- The exhibition is part of Sadie Coles' summer programming, open throughout August.
Entities
Artists
- John Currin
- Helen Marten
- Robert Diament
- Paul Carey-Kent
- Monet
- Manet
- Poussin
- Cranach
- Hans Baldung
- Parmigianino
- Kippenberger
Institutions
- Sadie Coles HQ
- FAD magazine
- Talk Art
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Savile Row
- Acadia National Park
- Maine
- United States
- Ukraine