‘Dummies and Dignitaries’ is a collaborative exhibition of painting and drawing that brings together artists Rachel Bishop and Emma Henley. Despite the stark difference between their works, similarities are found in their painting techniques; particularly the use of increased contrast as one might apply to digitally manipulated images. Lines, blocks of colour and shape give their work detail rather than highly textured skin and material. Together, the juxtaposition of viewpoints and clever use of contrast presented by this show, emphasize and explore the social differences in life between past and present.
Portraying life from the Georgian to Edwardian epoch, Rachel Bishop documents it as if she were there herself. She looks at and explores their way of living, comparing and reflecting on how people live today. Her main focus is to depict the more pleasant side to life within these past times, to demonstrate how people seemed to have had more dignity and decorum than they do nowadays.
Seemingly opposite to this view, Emma Henley’s work is a fusion of her love for cityscapes and the female figure particularly used in fashion photography and glossy magazines and the way these adverts represent the women of today. It is the contorted shapes and exposing of flesh sold to the consumer that fascinates Henley in particular.
Both artists graduated from the University of Wales, Newport in 2008 and this is their first show as professional artists. They are hoping to get their work recognised to become more widely known practitioners, to accept commissions or create more projects and show across the country.
Red Gate Gallery is a non-for-profit organisation that is dedicated to the continuous exposure of contemporary and diverse Art forms. It encompasses artists’ studios, a large gallery space suitable for installations, film projections, music performances, live gigs and exhibitions. Red Gate is located within a busy environment between Brixton & Camberwell. The gallery hosts regular events, exploring strands of thought provoking art. Since 1998 it has hosted over 500 events and exhibitions.
Private View: Friday 27th of November 2009 – 6 pm to 11 pm
Second Viewing: Saturday 28th of November – 3pm to 10pm
Exhibition runs from: Friday 27th November to Thursday 3rd of December 2009
Gallery Opening Hours: Fri, Sat, Mon, Tues, Wed: 2.30 pm – 6.30 pm
Last day of Exhibition: Thurs 3rd of December: 11.00am to 5.00pm
Red Gate Gallery
209a Coldharbour Lane
London SW9 8RU
