David Altmejd’s captivating exhibition at White Cube London, running from November 23, 2022, to January 21, 2023, invites viewers into a world of transformative sculptures that seem to possess a life and intelligence of their own. Altmejd’s artistic philosophy revolves around relinquishing conscious control and allowing the inherent energy of his creations to guide their formation.
David Altmejd exhibition at White Cube London, November 23, 2022-January 21, 2023
In the context of this exhibition, the term “glyph” serves as a guiding principle for both artists. It encapsulates the idea that art can exist solely for what it is, liberated from the shackles of traditional composition, narrative, and even aesthetics. Warre Mulder and Pascal Vilcollet, each in their unique way, explore this notion, breathing life into it through their captivating creations.
David Altmejd exhibition at White Cube London, November 23, 2022-January 21, 2023
The exhibition’s focal point is a mesmerizing human figure seated in a yogic pose on the ground floor of the gallery. This enigmatic figure possesses ears resembling those of a hare, elongated to almost touch the ceiling, expanding into the room’s space. Before this peculiar being lies a burrow, suggesting that it has emerged from the very substance it seems to have excavated. The striking juxtaposition of earthy clay feet and ears reminiscent of dragonfly wings alludes to an ongoing transformation from the material to the ethereal.
David Altmejd exhibition at White Cube London, November 23, 2022-January 21, 2023
Altmejd’s sculptures are imbued with their own agency, and he often uses crystals as a source of energy to animate his works. The Trickster, with his playful and subversive nature, becomes a creative proxy for Altmejd, encouraging wild and unpredictable transformations.
David Altmejd exhibition at White Cube London, November 23, 2022-January 21, 2023
Descending into the lower gallery, viewers encounter a series of rowed plinths reminiscent of a classical sculpture court, adorned with an array of fantastical busts and heads. These sculptural pieces may evoke archaeological finds, alien specimens, or the result of genetic experimentation. Subtle interventions in the space, like smeared toothpaste and pencil notations, hint at an unseen network of activity.
David Altmejd’s exhibition at White Cube London is a testament to the artist’s ability to channel the Trickster’s transformative energy into his sculptures, resulting in a mesmerizing display that blurs the lines between art and the subconscious, inviting viewers to explore the ever-evolving landscape of the human psyche.
