ArtHAUS is the latest exhibition by Degree Art. It's like wandering into the home of someone with a vivid and surreal imagination. This is no IKEA show home, yet you feel as if you could take a seat at the kitchen table and hold a conversation over Jana Emburey's intricately delicate sculpture made entirely of eggshells.
Though there are lots of artists on display in a small space, it never gets overawing. But it takes a few walk-throughs to notice all of the works.
Notable pieces include Nicola Anthony's hypnotic dissections and re-arrangements of one dollar bills that make you question what you're seeing. Myung Nam An's ceramic sculptures project from the bathroom wall, a cross between an eyeball and a sea anemone — they are both playful and disturbing in equal measure.
You don't just view ArtHAUS, you experience it.
This is a truly unique and brilliantly curated exhibition and ahead of its opening we asked curator and gallery manager Ryan Lanji to tell us more about it:
Firstly, tell us a little bit about yourself and Degree Art?
I love taking trends in the creative sectors and creating unforgettable experiential exhibitions. I believe art should not only be exhibited, but should engage the spectator. The best way is to curate a show that holds their attention hostage.
DegreeArt is a brilliant online gallery, which was started nearly a decade ago. They exhibit, sell, consult, and are a great support to artists who are emerging and creating a foundation for themselves. They have built a great community of avid collectors who are eager to engage with new talent and fresh work. DegreeArt represents over 300 artists and is unveiling new work everyday.
Can you explain the concept of ArtHAUS?
ArtHAUS is not only an ambitious group show but also an unforgettable installation.
DegreeArt & I wanted to build a dream home, but not a dream home that someone would aspire to but a home that was a result of letting the artwork run free and drip feed itself into the design of the space. We wanted to create a home that is free from the usual rules of interior design and collaborate with other design companies to build a house that fit the artwork rather than the other way round. Artworks by DegreeArt artists are on display and the exhibition includes over twenty pieces.
I have created five rooms that take on very important conversations about our lives and arts and culture: the kitchen, the dining room, the bathroom, the bedroom and the living room. Each room has its own theme and we’ve worked with interior designers to extend the rooms' vision and encapsulate a surreal world full of cutting edge products and design.
ArtHAUS is on display at DegreeArt, 12 Vyner St, E2 9DG until 29 June. Admission is free.