Portraits by Mariana Gordan
The exhibition by Romanian-born artist Mariana Gordan is an installation of new polychrome sculptures, part of which has been recently shown at the Iorga Institute in Venice. The portraits are of Italian children from Rivello, a small village in Basilicata, where she spent the summer holidays for the past 28 years.
Portraits. This is what I do. It is my way of seeing, of listening and of understanding what is around me. It is my way of immortalising people I have met; it is like carving my own life in stone.
The portraits are produced with economy of means and aim for maximum expression, capturing the spirit behind the face. By using different materials i.e. bronze, terracotta, plaster or resin, one can see how the same sculpture changes expression from one medium to another.
In 1984/85 Gordan has produced mosaics for London Transport: Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road and Finsbury Park Stations. She was also the winner of Clement Atlee Portrait Competition chaired by Dame Elisabeth Frink. Throughout her years in London, Gordan has produced numerous commissions, both public and private, as well as exhibitions.
The most recent production of autobiographical pieces will be shown as an exclusive surprise on 5th of March!
Monica Madas is a puppeteer and jazz singer, recent winner of the 2006 jazz debut award in Romania. Her music is a very original mix of jazz and traditional Transylvanian songs. Other projects include Groovy Mama, where Monica approached acid jazz, and Jazz Do It, an experimental performance involving poetry, choreography and jazz improvisations. She has been invited to various concerts, the latest being at Battersea Barge-on-Thames in February 2007.
Bonus: Disorient Express, a film about a Romanian artist's 30-year experience in the UK.
Launch event by invitation.
Admission to the exhibition is free, between 5-23 March 2007, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.