Art Review: Ratio - Dale Adcock @ TJ Boulting

Tabish Khan
By Tabish Khan Last edited 133 months ago
Art Review: Ratio - Dale Adcock @ TJ Boulting
Dale Adcock, Detail Of Untitled (Woman) 2011. Image Courtesy TJ Boulting
Dale Adcock, Detail Of Untitled (Woman) 2011. Image Courtesy TJ Boulting
Dale Adcock, Validator 2013. Image Courtesy TJ Boulting
Dale Adcock, Validator 2013. Image Courtesy TJ Boulting
Dale Adcock, Tomb 2012. Image Courtesy TJ Boulting
Dale Adcock, Tomb 2012. Image Courtesy TJ Boulting
Dale Adcock, Leviathan 2012. Image Courtesy TJ Boulting
Dale Adcock, Leviathan 2012. Image Courtesy TJ Boulting
Dale Adcock, Double Portrait (Man and Woman) 2011. Image Courtesy TJ Boulting
Dale Adcock, Double Portrait (Man and Woman) 2011. Image Courtesy TJ Boulting
Dale Adcock, R/V (Recto Verso), Installation view. Image Courtesy TJ Boulting
Dale Adcock, R/V (Recto Verso), Installation view. Image Courtesy TJ Boulting

Dale Adcock is an artist who has drawn inspiration from both ancient American civilisations and classical art, merging them into an eye-catching homage.  The exhibition is split into two rooms that feature artworks so distinct, it's as if they were created by two different artists.

First we have three monumental paintings. Guardian features an imaginary deity that cuts an imposing figure with his arms crossed staring out above visitors' heads. Yet he becomes less threatening when you realise he's designed to fold in on himself and would then become nothing more than a cube shaped rock.

Portrait of a man and woman owes much to the classical painting diptychs that would often feature a husband and wife facing each other, and can be found in many a gallery. Though in this pairing the faces appear to have been carved from stone yet their angular faces bear a softened expression, which makes them approachable. This first room contains works that transform when you scratch beneath the surface, giving them an intriguing duality.

The second set of works are much smaller, expressive works that seem at odds with those in the adjacent room. They are the artist's imagination set free and their vibrancy is matched by their diversity. Though these are the more creative works, they lack the challenging nature of their larger cousins.

This is an interesting exhibition from an emerging artist whose work feels different to any other artist we've seen. We look forward to seeing more of his monumental paintings.

Ratio: Dale Adcock is on at TJ Boulting, 59 Riding House St, W1W 7EG until 23 March. Admission is free.

Last Updated 24 February 2013