Robyn Mitchelson's Curatorial Choice

This year’s exhibition represents immensely talented and diverse artists. It has been a privilege to be part of the curatorial team and all works this year are strong, unique and stimulating. 

My curatorial choices for L.O.V.E Art 2021 are as follows:

Amenoia by Macha Barnden

Evoking feelings of melancholy, this piece suggests themes of loss, nostalgia and remembrance. It is powerfully evocative and thought-provoking and the themes explored may be relatable to the Portuguese term ‘saudade’ meaning a deep emotional state of longing for something or someone that one cares for, often carrying a repressed knowledge that the object of longing might never be had again.

A Quiet Light by Steph Jansen

The deep colours, tones and lines make this piece incredibly striking and beautiful. Although abstract, the layers and textures are suggestive of a landscape scene with wonderful movement and flow implied through shapes and marks. So powerful and intricate.

Floating by Lucia Guzy-Kirkden

This figurative piece asserts strong elements of realism whilst also combining aspects of surrealism as the two figures float weightlessly before the viewer. The vivid use of colour is striking and complex, creating an honest and rich representation of the nude bodies. Encouraging an examination of the two figures and their possible relationship with one another, captivating and yet somewhat discomforting.

Signal of my Intentions #2 by Clair Robins

Bringing to mind ‘found objects’ this piece suggests a narrative with strong associations to memorabilia and objects that hold intrinsic value. It could be said there is a story to be told within this piece especially when one considers the title, perhaps it alludes to the attributes and use of the handkerchief through past times, more particularly the practice of using it to signal feelings. Evocative and intriguing.

Altasmin by Mohamad Aaquib Anavarmia

With beautifully intricate shapes and form this is complex, comprising layers that make up the aesthetically striking geometric shapes. Reminiscent of Islamic and even Roman or Greek traditional art, this work is wonderfully delicate and rich.

‘Odysseus’s Lost Mermaid’ by Anya Keith-Howe

This piece is utterly intriguing, presenting a surreal dream-like scene that provokes not only sight but also sound. The mermaid appears in her bath in a contemplative and pensive manner, relaxing or possibly waiting in her dazzling utopia. This work is fascinating and a wonder to experience. See this performance piece on Friday the 26th of November between 6pm and 9pm at LCB Depot.