Magali Reus

Magali Reus produces sculptures by assembling common objects, such as no-parking signs or locks, into brand new and unfamiliar forms. Although she is attuned to the physical world, Reus avoids using pre-existing objects and instead meticulously fabricates each component of her sculptures using a combination of traditional and modern techniques. Working in series, she explores and expands upon the cultural and physical properties of these objects, forging connections between the sculptures and their physicality. Manipulating colours, materials, textures, and shapes, Reus disrupts typical associations and employs a mixture of digital design and traditional sculpting techniques that involve various materials like aluminum, steel, and resin. This process of abstraction enables alternative associations to form, giving her sculptures a surreal and otherworldly quality. Reus characterizes her sculptures as "unreal things" that could easily fit within either a computer-generated realm or a Surrealist composition. ...

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. ...