todd james’ ‘fantasy island’ at lazarides gallery

 

 

on may 1st an exhibition of new work by the american artist todd james also known as REAS, will open at lazarides rathbone, (london,UK). ‘fantasy island’ features a vivid body of hyper-coloured pieces that extends the artist’s exploration into current socio-political affairs, ‘continuing to stretch the boundary between the obscene and the humorous’. the show will run until thursday 28th of may 2015.

 

 

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following text from lazarides

 

the large-scale paintings depict a fantastical reality far removed from the safety of western existence, seducing the viewer with a seamless mix of luminous compositions and graffiti-infused erotica. the satirical showcase features a striking cast of modern-day somali pirates, un soldiers and scantily-clad females, adorned with AK47s and over-sized sunglasses whilst basking against tropical backdrops of never-ending sunsets.

 

james illuminates contradictions in our contemporary landscape with playful scenes loaded in metaphor; armed soldiers balancing cups of tea in armchairs and sexualised women brandishing heavy weaponry. the duality of the work is key to the american artist’s long-term practice, carefully balancing stylised animations against the stark reality of the times we live in.

 

 

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alongside the main gallery presentation james is set to transform a vintage chevrolet van positioned outside the gallery doors, expanding on childhood references first curated in his vandal’s bedroom, installed at la’s moca and re-constructed during lazarides’ world domination in 2013.

 

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the artist’s manifestation of personal spaces draws on fantasy art influences from the analogue age of his youth, comprised of a customised cluster of all-american 1970’s ephemera. the fantasy island chevy will play host to the exclusive launch of james’ most recent self-released book. the new publication, entitled beyond the gates, features a myriad of heavy metal-inspired swords and sorcery girls in a haze of fluid lines and sensual scenes.

 

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