Art Review: The Light and Dark Fantastic @ PM Gallery

Tabish Khan
By Tabish Khan Last edited 136 months ago
Art Review: The Light and Dark Fantastic @ PM Gallery
Nebulous Bouquet at PM, 2012. Photo Courtesy of Tsai & Yoshikawa
Nebulous Bouquet at PM, 2012. Photo Courtesy of Tsai & Yoshikawa
Light Arrangement No. 1, 2011. Photo Courtesy of Tsai & Yoshikawa
Light Arrangement No. 1, 2011. Photo Courtesy of Tsai & Yoshikawa
Bavarian Bloom, 2012. Photo Courtesy of Tsai & Yoshikawa
Bavarian Bloom, 2012. Photo Courtesy of Tsai & Yoshikawa
Origin of the Secret - Nebula, 2012. Photo Courtesy of Tsai & Yoshikawa
Origin of the Secret - Nebula, 2012. Photo Courtesy of Tsai & Yoshikawa
Origin of the Secret - Nebula, 2012. Photo Courtesy of Tsai & Yoshikawa
Origin of the Secret - Nebula, 2012. Photo Courtesy of Tsai & Yoshikawa
Blooming Spark I, 2011. Photo Courtesy of Tsai & Yoshikawa
Blooming Spark I, 2011. Photo Courtesy of Tsai & Yoshikawa

Hsiao-Chi Tsai and Kimiya Yoshikawa graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2007, and subsequently went on to work on projects across Europe and Asia. Now that they're back in the UK, it's clear to see how their South East Asian journey and origins have influenced their work.

Their bright and intricate sculptures are suspended from the ceiling like tantalising exotic flowers or the brilliant plumage of a bird of paradise. There is also some resemblance to the colourful and ornate dragons seen in Chinese New Year's parades.

But this is no static display, and as the gallery lights dim the sculptures light up and come to life, looking like inquisitive eyes staring out of the darkness. They draw the viewer in, and are more intriguing than unsettling.

The rhythm of the change in lighting is akin to the flicking on of city lights as the sun sets, giving the appearance of a world that truly comes to life after dark. The bright and lively works starkly contrast with the stately settings, furthering the illusion of having stepped into a world made from the artists' imaginations.

Ealing may be far removed from the usual art hubs of Mayfair and Shoreditch, but it's worth the journey to catch this dazzling exhibition.

The Light and Dark Fantastic is on display at PM Gallery and Pitzhanger Manor, Walpole Park, Mattock Lane, W5 5EQ until 5 January. Admission is free.

Last Updated 25 November 2012