On the evening of 8th August, Shoreditch Modern proudly opened its doors to art lovers and curious minds alike for the launch of Visceral Beauty, a captivating exhibition that delves into the complex relationship between humanity and the physical form. The event marked the beginning of a three-week journey through the works of three remarkable European artists—Chantal Pollier, Annelies Slabbynck, and Geoffrey Harrison—whose art unearths the beauty, mystery, and contradictions of the human body.
As the sun set over East London, the gallery’s minimalist spaces came alive with the raw and evocative pieces on display. Guests were treated to a sensory feast that challenged perceptions and invited introspection. The intimate atmosphere was enhanced by the presence of the artists themselves, each eager to discuss their inspirations and creative processes.
An Exhibition Combining Art and Science
Visceral Beauty is more than just a collection of artworks; it is a powerful commentary on the body’s duality as both an exquisite machine and a vessel for the soul. The exhibition encourages viewers to confront the often uncomfortable, yet undeniably beautiful, nature of flesh and what it means to inhabit a body. Through a wide array of mediums—from textiles and sculpture to painting—these three artists explore the intricate balance between the visible and the hidden, the intimate and the alien.
Chantal Pollier’s pieces, with their roots in psychoanalysis and sculpture, are imbued with themes of temporality and transience. Her work invites viewers to reflect on the skin as both a protective barrier and a vulnerable threshold, a landscape that echoes our life events in its marks and blemishes.
Annelies Slabbynck brings a different, yet equally compelling perspective to the exhibition. Drawing from her deep knowledge of textiles, her art focuses on the female body, weaving together elements of identity, loss, and the universal human condition. Her use of wax, embroidery and antique objects adds layers of history and narrative to her work, inviting viewers to engage with the past and present simultaneously.
Meanwhile, Geoffrey Harrison‘s contributions to Visceral Beauty are marked by an exploration of our inner landscape through kaleidoscopic paintings of organs. Harrison’s work, deeply rooted in collaboration with medical institutions such as the Barts Pathology Museum, provides a unique lens through which the audience can engage with the often overlooked aspects of our corporeal existence.
A Night to Remember
The opening night was not only a celebration of these thought-provoking artworks but also a gathering of community and creativity. Artists, peers, friends, and family mingled against the backdrop of Shoreditch Modern’s carefully curated space, discussing the many layers of meaning within each piece. The conversations flowed as freely as the wine, creating an electric atmosphere that set the tone for the exhibition’s duration.
Don’t Miss Out
Visceral Beauty will be on display until 30th August 2024 (included). For those who seek to engage with inspiring art with a medical edge, this is an exhibition not to be missed.
Step into Shoreditch Modern and immerse yourself in the visceral beauty of the human form. We look forward to welcoming you.
The gallery’s opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm. All artworks on display are available for sale. For sales enquiries, please contact: anais@shoreditchmodern.com
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