Frieze is upon us again, with its hordes of collecting millionaires, luxurious sponsors, glamorous parties and society beauties. For those seeking an antidote to what is arguably the best contemporary art fair in the world but also the most polished, Steve Lazarides -the man who brought Banksy to the world- has joined forces with the Vinyl Factory to present “Brutal”, where 16 of the most talented UK and US-based contemporary artists showcase dynamic installations, murals, film, animation, sound and dance interventions in a cavernous space below 180 The Strand. A not-for-the-faint-hearted exhibition that manages to transform the gruesome and the chilling into beautiful pieces of art.
Presented by Lazarides gallery in collaboration with record label and culture enterprise The Vinyl Factory, BRUTAL is the oh-so-trendy urban art gallery’ sixth adventurous off-site exhibition coinciding with Frieze Art Fair. It sees brand new works from regular contributors Antony Micallef -a favourite of Brad and Angelina and Damien Hirst- as well as artworks and performances from a diverse range of international guest artists.
With battle scenes, gang culture and kidnapping as some of its themes, BRUTAL is strictly for the brave and forward thinking, exploring the -you’ve guessed it- brutality of the times we live in and delivering a remorseless exhibition. Artists include Antony Micallef, Ben Woodeson, Bill McRight, Brad Downey, Cleon Peterson, Conor Harrington, DALeast, Doug Foster, Estevan Oriol, James Lavelle, Katrin Fridriks, Karim Zeriahen, Know Hope, Lucy McLauchlan, Mark Jenkins, Pose, Sebastian Horsley, Todd James. A brutal but beautiful exhibition, that shocks and moves in equal measure…
BRUTAL, 15– 27 October 2013 at 180 The Strand, London WC2R 1EA, booking online essential: http://www.lazinc.com/brutal (free admission)
