Jordan Derrien

Painted on a Wall of the Inn at Marlotte

★★☆☆☆

On until 20 July 2024

For the simplicity of its conceptual gesture, Derrien’s series of wall paintings – quite literally fragments of canvas walls covered in what could be domestic paint and framed by white skirting boards – is riven with confusion. No detail is apparent in these works at first glance. Their modest scale and systematic, paired presentation demand close inspection. 

The scrutiny yields reward. Subtle textural differences between the canvases emerge. One wonders if Derrien got his acrylics from Dulux and if he applied them with rollers rather than careful brushstrokes. Before long, the artist has his audience discussing the nature of paint drying out loud.

This is for nothing, however, because the artist forgot that his concept lies in its execution. His frames are shoddy, as though a cut-rate decorator assembled them to order. The wood mouldings are rickety, the canvas edges messy. This may have been intentional, but if so, Derrien’s work is no more than a poor copy of life and therefore redundant. If it’s an oversight, it discredits the whole genre.


notes and notices are short and curt exhibition reviews. Read more:

Francesca DiMattio, Wedgwood at Pippy Houldsworth ★★★☆☆

Francesca DiMattio

Wedgwood

★★★☆☆

In DiMattio’s giant ceramics kiln, everyday motifs like sneakers and knickers clash into the ornate Rococo stove and the Victorian China snuff box.

Aziza Kadyri, the Uzbekistan pavilion in Venice ★★★★☆

Aziza Kadyri

Don't Miss the Cue

★★★★☆

This dissonance might be intentional. If it isn’t, so much for the better.

Pauline Boty at Gazelli Art House ★★★★☆

Pauline Boty

A Portrait

★★★★☆

This exhibition mixes the woman and her legend, but without the air of mystery she enjoyed during her lifetime.

Sula Bermúdez-Silverman, Bad Luck Rock at Josh Lilley ★★☆☆☆

Sula Bermúdez-Silverman

Bad Luck Rock

★★☆☆☆

This is a poor man’s version of history or a philistine collector’s absolution.

Dayanita Singh at Frith Street Gallery ★★☆☆☆

Dayanita Singh

★★☆☆☆

Singh’s pictures cold have been made by at least three other Frith Street artists.

Ignacy Czwartos, Polonia Uncensored, Venice ★★☆☆☆

Ignacy Czwartos

Polonia Uncensored

★★☆☆☆

Czwartos’ painting proves little and his sign-writer’s hand loses art history’s bet.

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