Journeys - 'On Paper'

5 June - 6 July 2024

JD Malat Gallery is thrilled to announce 'Journeys', an online exhibition showcasing nine artists' works on paper.

(Larger version of this image opens in a popup).

(Larger version of this image opens in a popup).

(Larger version of this image opens in a popup).

(Larger version of this image opens in a popup).

(Larger version of this image opens in a popup).

(Larger version of this image opens in a popup).

(Larger version of this image opens in a popup).

(Larger version of this image opens in a popup).

Sophie-Yen Bretez, Dessin: « Swallows of goodbye, Waved by the sad wind of summer, You were not born here. You were taken from the East, And put in the middle of the ocean. - You were meant to be reborn. »,, 2022
Darren Reid, Study for 'Falling Light', 2018, Graphite on heavyweight paper, 16 1/2 x 11 3/4 in, 42 x 30 cm

Medium

The medium of paper serves as a vital bridge, seamlessly connecting the intangible realm of creative thought with the tangible world of artistic expression. Despite its pivotal role in translating an artist's vision into reality, the embedded narratives within the canon of Art History often relegate paper to notions of 'practice', 'elementary', and 'unfinished'. 'Journeys' severs these appendaged perceptions, offering a profound re-evaluation of paper's significance not just as a preliminary tool for larger canvases, but as a conduit for the purest forms of artistic innovation, exploration, and expression to come to fruition.
Erin Holly, Hysteria, 2018, Oil on primed 290 gsm paper, 25 5/8 x 19 3/4 in, 65 x 50 cm

Envisioning Journeys

The curated selection of works on paper serves as an authentic and unfiltered dictation of the artists' responses to their subject matter. Ranging from quick sketches to meticulously crafted studies and paintings, these reveal the inner workings of the artists' subconscious minds, intertwined with their reflections on living life in this contemporary age. This exhibition operates on a frequency that values honesty and vulnerability, allowing the audience to connect, resonate, and understand artistic processes and techniques, thus forging a more intimate connection between the artist and viewer. Erin Holly's works on paper display a different strand of her artistic oeuvre, depicting psychologically engaging works of pure expression heavily informed by the inner workings of her subconscious mind.
Works 'On Paper'

Henrik Uldalen's gouache sketches were created during the lockdown period, creating a sketch a day while simultaneously seeking physical communication through human subjects during a period of social isolation. In the process, Uldalen created intangible, existential compositions that serve as visual documentation of his mental process, using the medium of paper as a tool of expression and subsequent liberation. Sophie-Yen Bretez displays her 'dessin's', early-stage drawings which inform and develop into her larger-scale works. Subverting the nude figure and subsequent 'male gaze', Bretez creates powerful and confrontational compositions that enact a reclamation of beauty, sexuality, and femininity. Andrew Litten's works on paper embody the psychological narratives of the everyday. Diverse in scale and medium, he displays compositions that are raw and vulnerable in depiction, alluding to the deeper truths that encompass our human nature. Hyper-realist Darren Reid shares his studies which heavily inform his painting process. Each work displayed is enriched with intricate details of found imagery using paper for its methodical and tangible qualities. Darren Reid's works on paper coalesce method with narrative, displaying both the technical and creative sides of artistic oeuvre.
Georg Óskar, Just a little bit , 2024, Pencil and pastel on paper, 10 1/4 x 7 1/8 in, 26 x 18 cm

Drawing: a convivial venture

Georg Óskar displays his scrapbook-like drawing that is abundant in energy and humorous in depiction. Inspired by his newfound fatherhood, Óskar plays on the essence of drawing as child-like and hones in on the precarious notion, offering a sarcastic response through overindulged 'scribbles' and extraverted text. In truth, he highlights the endless capabilities of paper as a medium and what it truly means to create art.
Luis Olaso, study for vase and flowers 1, 2024, Acrylic, collage, charcoal and oilbar on paper, 29 7/8 x 22 1/2 in, 76 x 57 cm

'Paper' & 'Process'

Luis Olaso displays his works on paper, portraying compositions imbued with the purest forms of expression and creativity. Viewing paper as a medium of change and malleability, Olaso freeingly engages with his artistic process, creating still-life abstractions filled with motifs and symbolic referencing. Olaso's works on paper pay homage to nature and its immense beauty, adorning his compositions with various floral motifs on a medium that exists within the natural world.
Putting Pen to Paper

Acclaimed contemporary artist Kojo Marfo is most known for his culturally vibrant portrayals of his Ghanaian heritage through depictions of Akan fertility dolls. These works on paper he has exhibited differ immensely from his usual style, showcasing sketched lines revealing figures imbued with symbolism. Reminiscent of contemporary artists El Salahi, Picasso and Wilfredo Lam, Marfo uses paper as a medium of inspiration, creativity and freedom, sketching and constructing figures representing human nature in its most pared-down form.
Yann Leto, Various #6, 2013, Drawing on paper

Yann Leto's Works on Paper

Yann Leto's works on paper depict the epitome of artistic creativity and freedom. Incorporating fun motifs and cultural referencing, Leto unearths his subconscious mind, coalescing political symbolism with humorous detail. This series represents his older work, having been created in 2013, however, Leto’s works on paper offer each a visual journey which merges artistic maturity and conviviality, creating vibrant and energetic compositions on a medium that enables artists to enact on the purest forms of creativity and expression.
(Larger version of this image opens in a popup).

(Larger version of this image opens in a popup).

(Larger version of this image opens in a popup).

(Larger version of this image opens in a popup).

Luis Olaso, study for vase and flowers 2 , 2024
Shifting the Narrative

By challenging the prevailing narratives and elevating paper to its rightful place as a cornerstone of artistic expression, 'Journeys' celebrates the boundless capabilities paper encapsulates. Each artist in this exhibition uses paper as a medium to communicate what is innate within them, whether it be for methodical planning, emotional exertion, creative ideas, or psychological manifestations. It invites audiences to embark on a journey of discovery, where the inherent beauty and versatility of paper is revealed in all its splendour.

Artists include: Henrik Uldalen, Sophie-Yen Bretez, Andrew Litten, Darren Reid, Georg Oskar, Kojo Marfo, Erin Holly, Luis Olaso, Yann Leto