Leisure, Entertainment & MotoringEventsEvents in the South & East"Secrets and Shadows" explores the dark side of the human psyche "Secrets and Shadows" explores the dark side of the human psyche
08/05/2008
"Secrets and Shadows" (Foyles Gallery, London, 12th May-18th May 2008) is a landmark exhibition for thirteen artists who are giving their own personal take on the darker side of the human psyche to mark the paperback launch of Sebastian Beaumont's latest novel 'Thirteen'.
The exhibition is a showcase for the artists' most intimate paintings, drawings and photographs, made when using their chosen medium as a cathartic or therapeutic experience to come to terms with traumatic life events. The result is a powerful and moving collection of images that might not normally be put on public display.
The idea of 'art as a psychological journey' was inspired by Sebastian Beaumont's novel 'Thirteen', which is to be released in paperback to co-incide with the exhibition. Caitlin Smail, curator of Secrets and Shadows says: "Common themes are the disquiet we feel when confronted by unfamiliar situations and the de-stabilisation that a new perspective can wreck on the old, safe and familiar. These changes can uncover secrets hidden or repressed by our subconscious and shed light on the darker recesses of our psyches."
'Thirteen' tells the story of a taxi driver working a night shift in Brighton. He works such long shifts that he is often exhausted and starts to experience major alterations to his perception of reality. People appear and disappear who know far too much about him and his past - and who lure him further and further into the twilight world of Thirteen.
Smail adds: "Making sense of the world around us is a central part of our being. From our earliest thoughts we define ourselves in terms of our understanding and knowledge, the people we know and love. The discovery of the new can cause us to re-evaluate our lives and our priorities, to question our relationships and motivations."
Secrets and Shadows takes place from 12th -18th May at Foyles Gallery, Foyles Book Shop, 113-119 Charing Cross Road, London WC2.
For further information visit the links below.