Rook and Raven is displaying the works of four hot new artistic talents from Canada and the US. The press release says that: "Each deploys a distinct, boldly recognisable style, yet similarly, all explore notions of lost innocence and self-discovery within their work".
We caught up with three of the artists and asked them how they would describe their works. Elizabeth Winnell's paintings all consist of a pair of lips in various poses and though there is a charged eroticism about them she sees them as more open-ended in that they "provide an opportunity for a discussion with the viewer".
Her simplistic style is in stark contrast to Adam Caldwell's "urban collage surrealism" where an explosion, a bedroom door and a pickled brain all seamlessly share a canvas. You can easily stand in front of his paintings for minutes on end without unpicking all the subtle contributions.
Andrew Young adopts a style of "new and old patterns covered and uncovered" that seeks to capture life-changing moments. The quartet of artists is completed by Nathan DeYoung, whose ethereal and vivid portraits have an otherworldly feel that makes the eyes linger.
Though the exhibition is unified under the umbrella of lost innocence, each artist's unique take on the theme makes for a contrasting yet intriguing collection.
Discovery is on display at Rook & Raven gallery, 7 Rathbone Place, W1T 1HN until 3 May. Entrance is free.
