2
1
Editor’s Letter LARA TURNER-TOMPKINS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Welcome back to our second issue of IMpressions. We had such a wonderful response to our launch issue and we are again delighted to be welcoming some very high profile contributors to this issue. Interior designer extraordinaire Kelly Hoppen gives IMpressions an exclusive interview sharing her insights into how art and design collide as well as some of her tips for art and interiors. We are also thrilled to have a guest writer from a wonderful organization Art4Space, who take transform community projects through their inspiring mosaic art.
Contributors
1
4
2
3
As for the gallery, it has been a very exciting few months seeing four exhibitions including the latest series from Hollywood photographer Tyler Shields. Tyler’s new show “Submerged”, that ran from October to November, is a stunning collection of underwater imagery again featuring many of Hollywood’s young elite. The water themed launch event was a star studded affair and hit the headlines across the mainstream press the next day. We’re delighted to have a unique ‘Artist at Work’ piece on Tyler in this issue. October also saw us venture out of the gallery with one of our first pop up shops at the Moniker art fair. It was great to meet new collectors and industry colleagues and the response to our artists work was fantastic. Our “Popped” show in September was a wonderful celebration of young street pop artists including debut work from Day-Z, Amar Stewart, Lukas Avalon and Mason Storm. Many of the images centered on celebrity icons from past and present and gave the show a real point of difference. We look forward to watching the career of these four hugely talented artists in the next few years.
5
1. Kelly Hoppen MBE – Interior Designer 2. Elinor Seath – Director ART4SPACE 3. Tyler Sheilds – Photogrpaher 4. Michael Angel Plaza – CEO at Compare The Financial Markets 5. Riia Carnegie – Gallery Manager at Imitate Modern
27a Devonshire Street London W1G 6PN T: 020 7486 9927 W: www.imitatemodern.com
Another one to watch is Parlee ERZ– and we are thrilled to announce a new show coming to the gallery next year. To whet your appetite, take a look at a brand new segment to the magazine the Rocket and Plugs comic strip, introducing you to his brilliant characters that feature in his work. As for what’s hot and what’s not, I’d like to point out our very interesting piece on Art and Finance that has been compiled by Comparethefinancialmarkets.com. They examine why Tyler Shields is a sound investment. If you haven’t got yours yet, this might just convince you!
Contents Months in review
Photos from our latest events and launch parties, including ‘Submerged’ and ‘Popped ’..................................................
2
Art & design
Interior Designer, Kelly Hoppen, describes
5
the artistic inspiration behind his work .................................................
Art gives back
7
Art4Space discuss their projects with local schools .....................................
Art & finance
Compare the Financial Markets evaluate the reasons to invest in Tyler Shields .......................................
9
Artist at work
Tyler Shields discusses his influences and creative process in this exclusive interview ..............
10
Top 5 Artworks
12
Our Top 5 picks, showcasing artists who are hot right now ...............................
in Review Months
T
his October saw the launch of Tyler Shields’ latest exhibition ‘Submerged’. His
third solo show, here at Imitate Modern, was a huge success selling half of his work within minutes of the doors opening. The event, on October 17th, brought art lovers and notable guests from all over London, and even as far as LA. Isabella Cruise, Nancy Dell’Olio, Kimberley Garner, Rosie Fortescue and Ana Mulvoy-Ten are just a few of the familiar faces we had attend on this special night to support the iconic photographer Tyler for his underwater series. With beautiful cocktails being offered from the lovely boys of BEAT bar and very fitting music supplied by resident Dj’s Toby and Gregorio, it was sure to be a great night. Those familiar with Tyler’s work will know that he is giving us a much softer side in this collection. Trading burning Birkins and blood soaked celebrities for the tranquil and serene flow of underwater movement. This not only shows his ability to be diverse in his creativity but also how far he will stretch himself to achieve a totally different concept and imagery with his work (mastering to hold his own breathe for up to 4 1/2 minutes!). Pushing participants to great depths and requiring specially designed camera equipment to capture these effervescent images. Each element of Submerged is the perfect balance of serenity and strength, as the images seem to float on a fine line between fantasy and reality. Shields takes the water for his canvas, and Hollywood’s next generation as his subjects. From a dimly lit seabed to a backlit swimming pool, Shields plays on the relationship between water and light to evoke a variety of moods and striking imagery. We will be exhibiting Tyler’s work for Submerged here at Imitate Modern until the 9th of November. Free entry and an absolutely must see this year in the world of art!
2
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO: http://youtu.be/VyG2jSmQvcM
Tyler Shields
What: ‘Submerged’ Private View When: Thursday 17th October Where: Imitate Modern Who: Tyler Shields, Nancy Dell’Olio, Isabella Cruise, Rosie Fortescue, Kimberley Garner, Suzie Kennedy, Ana Mulvoy-Ten, Aldo Zilli, and Laura Zilli
in Review Months
Looking Back We’ve packed more into this summer than usual with a whole variety of parties and pop-up shows. Here’s a sneak peak at what went on and who made an appearance.
Popped Private View To end the summer in style, we brought a bit of colour back to the West End with Popped! A collaboration of artists, featuring artwork inspired by icons of our time, tincluded Amar Stewart, Day-Z, Lukas Avalon, Mason Storm, Romero Britto and Tyler Shields. And here’s how it all went down.. Greeted by a popcorn vendor on the red carpet, guests got a good taste of what was waiting for them inside. Filled with bold and bright canvases, depicting famous faces from Grace Kelly to Jay Z, the gallery was buzzing all evening. The colourful collection attracted the likes of singers Suzanne Shaw and Sarah Kempe, along with CharlotteElizabeth Evans. With a constant flow of cocktails and a healthy dose of pop music from our resident DJs Toby and Gregorio, the launch night of ‘Popped’ was a huge success!
3
Popped
What: ‘Popped’ Private View When: Wednesday 11th September Where: Imitate Modern Who: Suzanne Shaw, Matt Evans, Charlotte-Elizabeth Evans, Olivia Walton, Elaine Zhang, Nataliya Resh and Day-z
in Review Months
Looking Back Monika Art Fair
MONIKA ART FAIR For our very first venture into exhibiting at art fairs, we took a selection of our artists to Moniker last month. Sharing the Old Truman Brewery with The Other Art Fair, Moniker is now in its fourth year and proved to be a very busy and exciting weekend for us. On the corner of our stand enticing the passers by, was one of our new artists Parlee, with his innocent cartoon style and colourful characters, Rocket and Plugs. Rich Simmons was a big crowd pleaser, attracting many viewers with his bold and edgy work, and himself as he attended the fair most days answering questions and explaining his ways. An amazing amount of interest was shown towards Mason Storm’s new Norman Rockwell inspired series with his unique painting style and technique. The collection continued with portraits from Amar Stewart featuring David Bowie, ‘Ziggy’ and Lukas Avalon’s ‘Cara’. Another new artist to Imitate, George Morton Clark, displayed his piece ‘Heaven and Hell’ along with the detailed etchings from our resident artist Luc Waring. Day-Z debuted her new series of the Charlie Chaplin twist on the iconic Chanel logo alongside Fenton Bailey and Mairi-Luise Tabbakh’s erotic photography from the ‘Human Relations’ collection. Cram packed with all this talent, our little space in the far corner at Moniker was a great success. Meeting so many people on such a large scale made for a great weekend for all the team here at Imitate Modern and we cannot wait to be part of it all again next year!
4
WHAT: Moniker Art Fair WHEN: 17-20th October WHERE: Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane WHO: artists, galleries, fans and collectors of urban and street art in London and Europe
& Design Art
Kelly Hoppen
1
3
It doesn’t tend too but I suppose it could. If the client had a specific piece of art that they wanted to design their room around it could be a possibility. I could take inspiration from it’s colours and textures and make it the focal point of any room. However I wouldn’t usually choose to start with a piece of art, I play around with textures and colours on a mood board as well as lighting and space and create something that is pratcial and in line with what the client visualises.
Art is a vital piece of any interior space. The perfect piece can add dimension, color, personality, and, of course a stunning focal point. I think it can have whatever impact you wish – you could pick a piece that speaks volumes or something a little more subtle, the choice is completely down to you.
As a designer does your scheme ever start with a piece of art?
2
What trends are you seeing in art amongst your clients? Who are the hot names your clients want on their walls? (would be fab to perhaps namecheck some of the artists who exhibit at Imitate….)
That is a hard question to answer because art is a such a personal choice and every single client has a different idea of what kind of art they want. I don’t think there are any specific trends however some people like black and white photography in which case I always send them to Michael Hoppen. Frieze art fair is coming up so I tend to take clients around there to have a look too.
What impact does art have on the overall feel of a interior space?
4
How do you like to present art in your schemes?
I don’t have a preference. I tend to always find out if clients have existing art and we ask to have a portfolio of that and find out where they want to place it and if there any special pieces. From their we put them into our elevations and visuals and work around them
5
Do you collect art?In most cases several months to a year.
Yes I do, photography is a big passion of mine, that’ where most of my money is spent. I love photographers such Peter beard and Lartigue as well as many many more!
5
& Design Art
Kelly Hoppen
6
10
Photography.
I don’t think I could pick one – art is forever changing. There are artists which have and always been influential and new and upcoming artists ever day!
Again it’s a personal choice – I would say photography but that is just my own opinion. Every person has a vision for their room and that includes what kind of art they would like to include, it also depends on the design of the room. Big pieces, small pieces, colourful pieces they all fit somewhere and can all have a striking effect!
8
11
What is your personal favourite style of art?
7
What era of art do you think has been most influential on design?
Are there any artists you get your design inspiration from, past and present?
hat kind of art do you think W looks most striking in a room?
Are there any no nos when it comes to art and interiors?
No because it is a personal choice.
You only have to go to the Tate to find inspiration nowadays., every artist can inspire in an individual way whether it be texture, colour, design etc.
12
9
I think art is anything creative, whether it be interior design, fashion, creative drawings, painting etc. I don’t think art has a definition; it is in the eye of the beholders as they say.
What trends in design can you link directly to art today?
You can’t. Art is a form on it’s own, its not part of design scheme. My type of designing is creating a backdrop so people can put art up.
6
What is your definition of art? Is it in many forms?
13
In addition to interior design, do you have any other creative outlets?
Not particularly – design is my only creative outlet and I love it. I am to this day beyond passionate about it.
7
gives back Art
A
ART4SPACE rt4Space discuss their projects with locals
schools which encourage children to create artwork that inspires, with immediate and lasting effect on the local community. Get the whole school and local community involved Community art is art made by a community for its community, so there is no better place than the school environment for shining examples of successful community art projects. Art4Space have now completed three projects for St Luke’s School resulting in three stunning ceramic and mosaic murals transforming the play areas and the school entrance. In each case the whole school was involved in the project. The Art4Space team worked with each class to generate designs for the mural. Reception to year three made ceramic pieces for the mural and years three to six created the mosaic work. We also held a parent and child after-school session and a session in the local church for the wider local community to get involved. Then finish with the grand unveiling and a big celebration for everyone involved in the project. Seeing the children’s and parent’s faces when they see their part of the mural is a delight, we have many of these moments documented.
8 gives back Art
ART4SPACE
Improve the school environment Mosaic and ceramic is a great medium to use in school mural projects, both are durable mediums that don’t fade over time. The mosaic work allows the children to work with different materials that bring texture, depth and an interactive quality to the finished artwork. The ceramic work allows the younger years to really get involved, they generally seem to love working with clay. One of the working titles for this school was ‘Celebrate Diversity’ – images included faces, journeys to school, games the children play, the lollipop lady and activities the children do outside of school. These images are so personal to the pupils and the school and can form a basis for imaginative play a break time.Inspire the teachers
If this article has inspired you or if you would like to get a community art project going in your school please visit our website www.art4space.
Improve the school environment
co.uk or contact Julie Norburn
Art4Space organised two after-school inset creative sessions for the teachers, this
on jewels@art4space.co.uk.
gave them the opportunity to understand what the children’s experience would be. In the mosaic session they created a sample that they could keep, and in the ceramic session the teachers made pieces for the mural. Art4Space provided the teachers with a work sheet covering all the aspects of running the session with their class and encouraged to use their creative experience in the curriculum. A different learning experience for the children The children get to work alongside professional artist/teachers and learn how to use different tools. Art4Space make sure the creative workshops are set up so the children are making design and colour decisions for the mural and not ‘paint by numbers’. The practical nature of the workshops can often see children flourish, this is a joy to see and great to feedback to the class teachers.
& Finance Art
The Investment Potential of Contemporary Art
A
part from the truly extraordinary occasions – as in March 2013 when Picasso’s Le Rêve sold privately for $155 million to become the world’s 4th most expensive painting ever - it is contemporary art that usually dominates art world headlines. And while contemporary art is an acknowledged volatile market, it is also one with the highest potential for ROI. So, when a precocious talent like Tyler Shields breaks through, immediately setting the contemporary art world abuzz, investors are certain to carefully monitor how the value of his artworks appreciate.
The Irresistible Appeal of Tyler Shields There are various solid reasons why it is currently wise to invest in the art being created by this irresistible and ever-evolving talent. Most importantly, in just thirtysix months, 60” x 40” Tyler Shields prints, produced in limited editions of three, have appreciated in value by an incredible 900 percent. Prices have been kept level for recent shows, but as demand is so high they look likely to substantially increase in 2014. Secondly, as proven by the amazing sale of Shields’ beautiful Leap of Faith to actor Scott Patterson for 500,000 US dollars, single works can fetch remarkable sums. The money Shields received for that photograph will fund his next feature film, Outlaw, as the artist continues to spread his creative wings – a branching out that is in itself a further reason to invest in Shields’ unique talents.
As an investment, Tyler Shields is a no brainer: • In 2013 he sold a single 16’ x 9’ photograph entitled Leap of Faith to Gilmore Girls actor Scott Patterson for $500,000 • In just three years, 60” x 40” prints of Shields’ photography on sale at London’s Imitate Modern Gallery have appreciated tenfold in value, from £1,500 to £15,000 each • All of Shield’s pieces are produced in limited editions of just three in each size (30” x 20”, 60” x 40”, 72” x 48”), making them instantly highly collectable and sought after • 60” x 40” prints of Shields’ controversial ‘Birkin Series’ sell at a staggering £60,000 each
Controversy Sells! That Shields is a controversial figure only weighs in an investor’s favour. Controversy sells, and can sell big: if a brand new single (or its video) is for some reason banned from the airwaves, human nature dictates that demand will increase and propel it up the charts. This has happened many times and will happen many more. As a result of Shields’ more provocative work – like the startling ‘Birkin Series,’ for which a $100,000 Hèrmes Birkin bag was destroyed – his stock as a vital contemporary artist has only risen and gained him considerable further notoriety. Consequently, 60” x 40” prints of the series have sold at London’s Imitate Modern for a dizzying £60,000 apiece.
The Hipness Factor The hipness factor should also not be overlooked. Shields is an associate, or friend, and photographer of many of Hollywood’s coolest rising stars. His images of such as Emma Roberts, Lydia Hearst, Juno Temple, Heather Morris and Alexander Ludwig are widely known, as is his envelope-pushing photographic work with Mischa Barton and wild child Lindsay Lohan. Operating in an über-cool arena, Shields possesses unique vision and the knack of pushing buttons - qualities worth investing in.
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO OF TYLER & COMPARE THE FINANCIAL MARKETS AT: http://youtu.be/_VBkn0xJQvg
Seasoned art enthusiasts, art dealers, and auction houses have, on occasion, made mistakes and lost on paintings/art they thought were investment grade. This is where we come in… Utilising our years of experience, and a global network of art experts and contacts, we have compiled seven essential tips to consider when taking the plunge in contemporary art investment:
For a free consultation contact: michael@comparethefinancialmarkets.com
www.comparethefinancialmarkets.com
9
at work
Artist
TYLER SHIELDS
W
e gave our resident Hollywood photographer Tyler Shields a grilling over his inspirations, artistic process and the lengths he goes to for a photo. With pieces that have included Lindsay Lohan, drenched in blood, wielding a knife, Emma Roberts falling through mid-air, and models serenely posed underwater, we were keen to learn about his artistic process, and the preparations required for these demanding shoots.
“
Tyler places a high importance on the titles of his shows, although his titles can happen as the work is happening, or be worked out after, in his opinion titles are “awesome, people live with your artwork in their homes and the title in their lives”. His past collections for Imitate Modern have been titled Chromatic, Suspense and Submerged, reflecting the artwork and the feelings inspired by the images he portrays. The individual titles of the Submerged pieces give the viewer another level of insight and interpretation; Tyler spent a long time titling these pieces, reflecting how each image affected him as an artist. The majority of the pieces are named after Roman and Greek Gods, with a story behind each God that gives each piece yet another dimension.
people live with your artwork in their homes and the title is in their lives
”
10
at work
Artist
TYLER SHIELDS
In preparing for each new series, for Tyler there isn’t one method or formula; “every series, every shoot is different, so it’s always something new”. The serene underwater scenes are in complete contrast to the dramatic pieces in Well Hung, and the physical demands of undertaking Suspense. He found the Submerged series interesting because everyone had to learn how to hold their breath underwater for long periods of time. In Suspense, Tyler’s subjects are pictured often in mid-air, which created a different challenge, Tyler described one subject vomiting when shown the building he was to jump off, but eventually agreed to do it once Tyler had demonstrated a few times! “I like to set people up to do things they can do, I don’t set people up to fail I set them up to win”. However, Tyler admits that during photographing, the most prominent thought in his mind is “don’t die”, but he has reassured us if he died it would be worth it, there’s nothing he’d rather be doing. The only hard and fast lesson Tyler learnt is “improvise is key, what worked yesterday, doesn’t work tomorrow”.
11
In terms of his passions and inspirations, Tyler’s first love was making movies, something he has returned to recently, with his directorial debut, a feature film, Final Girl, out in 2014. There is no one film that has inspired his career, though as a child he loved Full Metal Jacket, and still watches it, thinking how he might have directed the film differently. He emphasises, though, that trying to copy a formula will only achieve middling results, and will never be as good as your own original ideas, something that comes across through his own work. So instead, Tyler looks for inspiration in the world, where he lives, the people he knows, saying that “these people inspire you, I just love the world, and it has so many stories and incredible things to create in it”. Tyler described hints his next series will be out of this world - literally. He’s busy figuring out how to get into space to shoot, and working on other new ideas, giving us plenty to look forward to!
12
5Artworks Top
W
ith all the art fairs and cultural events taking place this month, we’ve been spoilt
for choice for exciting new artwork! Here are our top picks to whet your appetite…
1
1. Amphitrite by Tyler Shields The iconic photographer Tyler Shieldshas recently debuted his latest exhibition, Submerged, here at Imitate Modern. This has to be one of the most powerful from the series and can be seen in Vanity Fair On Art special this month. With the contrast in colour and the vacant yet peaceful look upon the model’s face, Shields captures an enchanting and unforgettable image that leaves us utterly mesmerized. 2. No It’s Me by Parlee Illustrations from Parlee are simply vivacious. With an innocent style portrayed through the mischievous characters he creates, and the soft colouring used, you as the viewer are captured in this world of mystery and adventure. Becoming ever more popular here at Imitate Modern and building his own reputation with his street art (seen around London and Essex), Parlee is set to make a lasting mark on the art world with his first solo exhibition at Imitate Modern next year. Keep an eye out for more details in the coming months!
2
3
5Artworks Top
3. It Was Always A Game by George Morton-Clark Another alluring piece from George Morton-Clark, he has the gift of reflecting the subconscious by warping faces and imagery to form such a bold and moving piece. Always somewhat bewitching with a touch of irony and sadism, his artwork is fascinating to follow. The harsh and dramatics style, along with the chaotic movement of the brush strokes are so appropriate to the message he embeds within his work. 4. Delilah # 2 by Rosie Emerson
4
We came across Rosie Emerson at the Moniker Art Fair last weekend, and needless to say we were captivated by her work. So elegant, with such simplicity- combining photography, charcoal and collage, she really creates a graceful and moving outcome. Her work has a clear uniqueness to it with a beautiful flow that moves you tranquilly across the canvas. Based in East London and graduating from Fine Art from Kingston University, Rosie is definitely one to look out for, already being featured in Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Another Magazine among others. 5. Charlie Black by Day-Z This is a charming piece from The Charlie Collection, brought to us by Day-Z. A delicate, yet altogether bold black and white drawing, featuring the iconic logo of Chanel carefully positioned in the corner, this is really rather pleasing to the eye. Mr Chaplin in his clichĂŠ pose of falling over captures his classic, clumsy character still adored by many. The first of the series was in fact the very first piece to be snapped up at our Popped exhibition previews, with the rest of the series sure to sell out in an instant!h
5
13 Design by: Lucy Yates www.lucyyates.biz 07961 857333