Lisa Oppenheim's "Här Steichen Version XII" employs a vibrant palette with purples, greens, and pinks, capturing a lush, abstract botanical scene with an ethereal quality. The central iris, amidst blurred surroundings, emphasizes a dreamy sense of focus and depth. Her photographic style is marked by experimental exposure and layering, inviting viewers to ponder visibility and the interplay of light. Rooted in historical research, Oppenheim resurrects obscured photographic elements, underscoring the silent narrative potential of images. ...
Lisa Oppenheim's work is heavily inspired by research, particularly in the history of photography. Oppenheim utilizes various research methods, such as exploring photographic archives, libraries, collections, and online resources as starting points for her layered and sometimes starkly abstract work. Through delving into documentary archives, investigating the neglected outtakes of renowned photographers that were removed from the historical record for various reasons, Oppenheim collects and resurrects them in her imagery. These obscure finds and missing links also have technical parallels in her work. Oppenheim's images often feature fragments and experiment with exposure, suggesting the nuances of what is visible and invisible, revealed and concealed by the camera's mechanics. Her multifaceted work encapsulates photography's most intricate function: the ability to remain entirely silent while appearing to describe the world in infinite detail. ...
The Approach is co-directed by Jake Miller and Emma Robertson. Located in Bethnal Green above The Approach Tavern, for over twenty years it has operated an internationally recognised programme from its East London base. The gallery is known for discovering artists and establishing their careers as well as making inter-generational curated group shows a strong focus. The list of represented artists includes the Estates of important overlooked female artists Heidi Bucher and Maria Pinińska Bereś, as well as seminal British collage artist John Stezaker, together with established and emerging artists including Magali Reus, Peter Davies, Lisa Oppenheim, Sandra Mujinga, Pam Evelyn, Sara Cwynar, Sam Windett and Caitlin Keogh. Over the years the gallery has operated parallel programmes in additional gallery spaces in London’s West End (The Approach W1) and in Shoreditch (The Reliance). The gallery is currently based solely in its original East End location and continues to expand its programme, showcasing its represented artists in the main gallery space, and both represented and non-represented artists in The Annexe, a smaller, more experimental space at the back of the building. ...
