silver gelatin photograph exposed to firelightThe approach
Description
Human-crafted. AI-refined.
This abstract artwork features a striking black and white composition. The central focus is a bold floral arrangement depicted with dynamic, expressive brushstrokes that create a sense of depth and movement. Surrounding the vase are geometric shapes and patterns that add visual interest and a sense of underlying structure. The artist's distinctive style embraces a raw, spontaneous approach, blending representation and abstraction to evoke a sense of energy and emotion. This piece likely reflects the artist's personal vision and exploration of the tension between chaos and order in the natural world. ...
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. ...
