Studio Visit: Damian Elwes’ Solo Exhibition with Unit, London
7 July - 23 September 2024
Damian Elwes' latest exhibition with Unit continues his deep dive into the studios of iconic artists. His fascination with human creativity fuels his ongoing study of these creative spaces, blending research and imagination. Studio Visit explores the studios of artists like Picasso, Kusama, Matisse, Hirst, and Kahlo, among others.
Elwes' journey began in Paris (1986-87), where he sketched contemporary artists' studios. This helped him appreciate how an artist's workspace reflects their thought process at a given moment. Initially focusing on living artists, the internet later allowed him to access imagery of 20th-century legends like Picasso and Matisse, inspiring him to recreate their studios with detailed research.
Not just historical reconstructions, Elwes' paintings, such as those of Haring and Basquiat, carry personal memories, reflecting intimate relationships with the artists. For instance, in Basquiat’s studio, his piece Mitchell Crew and objects like a Mona Lisa sketch and a sushi tray evoke his world through hazy memories and stories from friends.
The exhibition also highlights Elwes’ thoughtful reimagining of lost spaces, such as Kahlo's and Kusama’s studios, pieced together from photographs and research, restoring these sacred spaces of creativity.
Exhibition view Studio Visit, ground floor, Unit London gallery. Photo: Razvan Chiorean gallery
Damian Elwes, Keith Haring’s Studio, Cable Building/New York
Roy Lichtenstein, New York, left
Basquiat’s Studio, Crosby Street
Kusama’s Studio, New York
Damian Elwes, Damien Hirst’s Studio, Thames Wharf
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About the Author
Razvan Chiorean is the published author of Art Buzz News, online content curator and contemporary art documentarist, committed to advancing diversity and accessibility in the art community. With a keen focus on innovation and a steadfast commitment to inclusivity, Razvan strives to unite cultures, serving as a bridge that seamlessly integrates art and innovation, all within the universal language of creativity.
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