On October 19, 2023, London’s Catto Gallery, in collaboration with curator Ian Berry, will unveil an exciting new exhibition, “Art Materialism.” This groundbreaking showcase introduces celebrated artists renowned for their innovative use of unorthodox materials, pushing the boundaries of their chosen mediums to perfection. The exhibition features a collective of internationally acclaimed artists, including Benjamin Shine, Christian Faur, David Wightman, Justin Ruby, Lill O. Sjöberg, Matt Small, Max Zorn, and Peter Combe.
Art Materialism marks a departure from traditional artistic techniques by embracing abundant, easily accessible materials in today’s commercialized world. These artists have transcended the novelty of their materials and now exhibit their creations in museums and galleries worldwide while also collaborating with major fashion and design brands such as John Galliano, Levi’s, The MET, Givenchy, Maison Margiela, Bergdorf Goodman, Polo Ralph Lauren, Ray-Ban, The FA, and even Home Depot.
The movement’s ethos harks back to the Italian “Arte Povera” that gained prominence in the late 1960s, with artists employing humble materials like soil, rags, and twigs to challenge the values of the commercialized contemporary gallery system. Art Materialism, however, thrives on overabundant, easily accessible resources.
The exhibition will showcase artwork crafted from a diverse range of materials, including denim, packing tape, sneakers, car upholstery, scrap metal, wallpaper, tulle fabric, crayons, and paint swatches.
British artist and curator Ian Berry, known for creating art from recycled jeans, envisioned the Art Materialism movement and brought these international artists together. Berry, who often encountered like-minded artists at art fairs worldwide, explained, “I would meet artists at Art Fairs around the world, for example during Miami Basel, and I found I was always drawn to artists who had created works out of materials no one had attempted to use before. We had all had to teach ourselves a way of using it. I wanted to bring these artists together, as it’s important to me that we support one another. Being an artist is often so solitary, especially with our time-consuming detailed work, so it’s good to group together.”
The exhibition features a lineup of artists hailing from various corners of the globe. Joining Ian Berry are the British trio of Matt Small, David Wightman, and Australian-based Benjamin Shine. Additionally, the exhibition includes Swedish artist Lill O. Sjöberg, Dutch artist Max Zorn, and a U.S.-based trio composed of Justin Ruby, Christian Faur, and Canadian-born Peter Combe.
Art enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to witness the artists’ innovative creations in person, as many of the artworks possess a three-dimensional quality that comes to life when viewed up close.
The “Art Materialism” exhibition opens on October 19 and will remain on display until November 6, 2023, at the Catto Gallery in London, UK. The Private View on October 19 will provide a chance for art enthusiasts to meet the artists and experience a live art session with Max Zorn, who will use brown packing tape to create backlit works.
“Art Materialism” Exhibition Details:
Location: Catto Gallery 100 Heath Street London NW3 1DP The UK
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
“Art Materialism” promises to be a captivating exploration of art’s new frontier, where creativity meets everyday materials and innovation knows no bounds. Don’t miss the chance to witness this exciting fusion of art and materialism.