What is this exhibition about? Ivana Basic’s latest show is a short course with viewers invited to experience the delicacy of life through a beautifully disturbing sculptural installation at Annka Kultys gallery.
In the first solo exhibition, Throat Wanders Down the Blade, Ivana Basic’s scattered disposition of her sculptural creations challenge the visitor’s experience regarding the boundaries around the idea of space. Through an aesthetically pleasing variety of materials, Basic introduces the Bridle construction which represents a ‘character that embodies the tension of both the fundamental fragility of life as well as the violent force behind its suffocation’.
Playing with an abstract approach to the sculptural figures, the New York-based artist interestingly employs the gallery’s space to highlight Bridle’s internal expression of the mental as well as emotional strain which is impressively reflected on the sculptures’ facet. Characteristically, the first captivating sculptural figure seems like a fragile ballerina’s body stretch while curving its silhouette on two long strips pointing out the physical form of these sculptures. In this remarkable composition of artworks, the artist also displays another installation whose metal bar not only tears two sculptural components apart but also forcefully punches them at their core suspended in a senseless state.
At another level, Ivana Basic not only showcases abstracted sculptures but also aims to communicate her artistic practice which confronts an interplay between artworks, space and various materials. Furthermore, the spatial representation of this exhibition seeks a deeper interpretation from the visitor underlying the need for a creative interaction with these aesthetically weird pieces. In this respect, taking into account Basic’s creative attitude, an uncanny curatorial arrangement of the gallery’s interior space is also used to inhabit some more pieces which are related to Bridle’s concept. For instance, two more artistic elements of the exhibition consist significant parts of Bridle, the artist’s fanciful character. Particularly, there are seven glass air vessels hanged on the walls representing Bridle’s breath, while the presence of a book projects the voice of this character. Besides the visual stimulus, Basic also seeks the ability to excite the visitor’s other senses producing a state of increased engagement with the exhibition.
Overall, it is a great show that you do not have to miss. Annka Kultys gallery’s exhibitions have been remarkable indications of creativity in the long-term vitality of the east London art scene.
Words: Yannis Kostarias
Ivana Basic: 8 Sept-8Oct 2016