There is an incongruous new addition to the entrance of Hauser & Wirth Somerset: a large yellow gnome, who appears to be hurling himself off a rooftop. The maniacal figure forms part of an imaginative new survey of paintings and sculptures by Serbian artist Djordje Ozbolt. The show takes its name from Aldous Huxley’s 1932 cult science fiction novel, Brave New World, which Ozbolt first read as a teenager. ‘It made a real impact on me,’ he revealed. ‘So, the title was my starting point. I worked backwards from that.’
A curious sight awaits visitors to Hauser & Wirth’s Somerset outpost
Crucially, all of the works on show were conceived during his 2016 residency with the gallery at The Maltings Studio in Bruton. The political turmoil that unfolded during this period profoundly affected Ozbolt, who cited a mood of ‘heighted anxiety’ fuelled by Brexit and the US presidential election. ‘So, the name of the exhibit and connection with Huxley felt fitting,’ he affirmed.
This tension bubbles to the surface throughout, making his signature application of cartoon motifs, kitsch and canonical art history references feel even more sinister and, at times, explosive. The acrylic painting Hell’s Own, for example, depicts the hybrid of an English gentleman-cum-fictional demon ‘Hell Boy’ – sporting horns and skin the shade of blood. While in Marauders, a trail of resin gnomes (which Ozbolt smuggled back from Serbia) charges through the gallery, disorientating the space. ‘They are unwelcome guests, cultural refugees,’ he said.
Installation view of 'Brave New World'
Yet, it was Ozbolt’s radical, mixed-media sculptures that showed the most progression. He explained, ‘these are totally different to the sculptures I have made before. They began as a process as opposed to an idea.’ Made from wire frames, expanding foam and studio ephemera, the works nodded to the natural world – taking the abstracted form of a tree or human being – but appeared liberated and otherworldly, with porous surfaces and lurid colours. ‘Perhaps they are higher beings or something,’ he mused, with a smile.
All of the works on show were conceived during Ozbolt's 2016 residency with the gallery at The Maltings Studio
The paintings and sculptures make use of Ozbolt's signature cartoon motifs, kitsch and canonical art history references
The gallery walls have been covered in a disorientating mural
A trail of resin gnomes (which Ozbolt smuggled back from Serbia) charges through the gallery
Ozbolt describes these gnomes as 'unwelcome guests, cultural refugees’
INFORMATION
’Djordje Ozbolt: Brave New World’ is on view until 7 May. For more information, visit the Hauser & Wirth website
ADDRESS
Hauser & Wirth Somerset
Durslade Farm
Dropping Lane
Bruton
Somerset BA10 0NL
-
A celestial New York exhibition showcases Roman and Williams’ mastery of lightingLauded design studio Roman and Williams is exhibiting 100 variations of its lighting ‘family tree’ inside a historic Tribeca space
-
‘He immortalised the birth of the supermodel’: inside Dior’s career-spanning retrospective of photographer Peter LindberghOlivier Flaviano, curator and head of Paris’ La Galerie Dior, talks us through a new Peter Lindbergh retrospective, which celebrates the seminal German photographer’s longtime relationship with the French house
-
Take a bite: Laila Gohar and The Luxury Collection’s ‘Cakes & Candles’ are a sweet treat for the sensesLaila Gohar’s six cake-inspired candles draw on The Luxury Collection’s hotels around the world – where guests can enjoy matching edible confections
-
Henni Alftan’s paintings frame everyday moments in cinematic renditionsConcurrent exhibitions in New York and Shanghai celebrate the mesmerising mystery in Henni Alftan’s paintings
-
Inside Jack Whitten’s contribution to American contemporary artAs Jack Whitten exhibition ‘Speedchaser’ opens at Hauser & Wirth, London, and before a major retrospective at MoMA opens next year, we explore the American artist's impact
-
The lesser-known Los Angeles galleries contributing to a vibrant art sceneOutside of LACMA, MOCA and The Broad, these independent LA galleries are major players in the art world
-
Frieze Sculpture takes over Regent’s ParkTwenty-two international artists turn the English gardens into a dream-like landscape and remind us of our inextricable connection to the natural world
-
‘This blood that is flowing is my blood, and that should be a positive thing’: Tracey Emin at White CubeTracey Emin’s exhibition ‘I followed you to the end’ has opened at White Cube Bermondsey in London, and traces the artist’s journey through loss
-
Larry Bell explores the ethereal nature of glass in MonacoLarry Bell's retrospective at Hauser & Wirth, Monaco, unites old and new work
-
Los Angeles art exhibitions: the best shows to see in NovemberRead our pick of the best Los Angeles art exhibitions to see this month, from Doug Aitken's Lightscape at Walt Disney Concert Hall to Gustav Metzger at Hauser & Wirth
-
Nicole Eisenman explores the dimensions of sculpture and painting at Hauser & Wirth ParisNicole Eisenman presents ‘with, and, of, on Sculpture’, her first retrospective at Hauser & Wirth Paris drawing inspiration from political challengers to ABBA
