25.04 - 25.05.2024

Louise Reynolds’ solo exhibition with Unit explores the complexities of contemporary issues. By focusing on the transient nature of news and the unequal ways information is shared, Reynolds aims to counter the impermanence of the daily news cycle. The exhibition, titled "Red Sky at Morning," draws its name from an ancient rhyme that warns shepherds of bad weather. For Reynolds, this idiom captures the sense of dark times, both present and future, while still hinting at the promise of "shepherd’s delight." This duality is reflected in a series of more light-hearted works, reminding viewers of the simple joys of shared experiences.

Her series of drawings is characterized by a "high/low" perspective, blending contrasting narratives to question the hierarchy of news stories. Using a unique form of magical realism, Reynolds navigates the information overload from modern media, challenging the narratives that shape our worldview. "Red Sky at Morning" doesn’t offer resolutions but instead uses visual culture to help process the flood of daily information.

Reynolds began focusing on news in her early career, and her work has since become more transformative and literal. Her art is inspired by headlines from various media outlets, particularly those that are tongue-in-cheek or jarring. This subtle critique of influential media players draws from sources like the BBC, Guardian, X (formerly Twitter), Daily Mail, and The Sun, creating artworks that address both socio-political issues and tabloid gossip. By juxtaposing celebrity gossip with global issues, Reynolds questions how information is presented by powerful media companies.

Influenced by Victorian artists like Henry Fuseli and William Blake, Reynolds blends representation with surrealism to create a visual language that is both otherworldly and urgent. In "In the Dreamhouse," she depicts a pink dollhouse set in a dystopian landscape, inspired by the contrast between Barbie movie advertising and the discovery of classified documents at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago. The artwork merges these disparate news stories, highlighting media imbalance.

The exhibition's themes culminate in "Metamorphoses," a drawing suggesting the threat of global conflict. Inspired by mythology and countless news articles, Reynolds uses the image of tulips in full bloom as a memento mori, reflecting needless loss of life in conflicts. Garden shears in the artwork evoke the Greek Fates, symbolically cutting the thread of humanity’s fate. Reynolds also includes a series of etchings that explore the history of print and the evolution of news dissemination.

"Red Sky at Morning" features artworks that are intentionally challenging to read, reflecting how media can obscure society’s judgment. This difficulty mirrors our understanding of the world through news outlets that promote specific agendas. Reynolds hopes these artworks will remain relevant and open to reinterpretation as times change, encouraging viewers to slow down and consider what truly matters.

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