Into the darkness…

Cathy Simpson reviews the current exhibition at The Weekend Gallery – an exploration of film noir in ceramic and print by Phillip Cosham.

This is a really intriguing show!

Phillip Cosham’s artistic life was changed at the tender age of 20, when he first encountered the novels of Raymond Chandler:

“A writer I liked had recommended him and said that every line he wrote was full of beauty. I was hooked straight away and have been ever since.” It was not long before this extended to include the Hollywood crime dramas which defined Bogart and Bacall.

This dedication is clear for all to see, the different media reflecting the artist’s interests at different times. Print is an obvious medium to interpret film noir, but Phillip explores this in a highly personal way. He gives us a fascinating interplay between ceramic and printmaking techniques – which also reflects the German Expressionism which informed film noir in the first place.

The starkly etched lines of the print are echoed in the surface decoration of the ceramic figures in the following two pieces:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elsewhere, the seductive lines and tones you normally see in an etching come to the fore in a ceramic sculpture:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are also screen prints, more intimate etchings and stunningly beautiful pieces depicting screen icons.

Phillip also informs me that the exhibition will change and develop as more ceramic pieces are added during the course of the show.  Not to be missed by anyone who loves these iconic films.  Or indeed, anyone interested in excitement, romance and the lure of the femme fatale!

Into the Darkness continues until  Sunday June 10

The Weekend Gallery
86 High Street
Hastings
East Sussex
TN35 3ES

01424 719296

More information at The Weekend Gallery website: http://www.weekendgallery.co.uk

Opening Times: Wed – Sun 11am–5pm

Also in: Visual Arts

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Alan Wright exhibition »