Info Wall – Exhibition Title
Image courtesy of Alex Noble & Ryan Lanji
In November 2012, I received a call that would commence one of the most memorable exhibitions of my fashion & art career thus far: Alex Noble’s Creatures From the Kaleidoscope.
After collaborating with Alex in my 2012 exhibition ENAMOURED: 80 YEARS OF REVLON, Alex approached me to curate a very personal project which he held dear to his heart and far away from the eyes of the fashion world.
Ever since his foray into fashion, Noble has received critical acclaim and success through his iconic commissions for the likes of Lady Gaga and Florence Welsh. His outlandish garments assisted in establishing these ladies as leading characters in the experimental pop movement. Asserting himself as a force in fashion and set design, Noble’s collaborations boast Selfridges, MTV, music festivals and more recently Diesel and street artist INSA.
Collision Cut
Image courtesy of Alex Noble & Ryan Lanji
In 2011 after three successful collections for London Fashion Week, Alex decided to take a hiatus and work on his primary passion: visual art. Many people commonly mistook Alex for a fashion designer turned artist, when in actual fact, fine art has been the catalyst and main source of inspiration for Noble and fashion is merely a medium in which his artwork manifests itself.
After visiting his studio to see his sketches and artworks, I realized that in this world of simulacrum and pastiche, we were dealing with something so unique and truly original. Before my very eyes was an artist who had vision, talent, and an extremely clear understanding of his skill set, inspiration and concept.
Alex Noble Kate Moss Sculpture
Image courtesy of Alex Noble & Ryan Lanji
It was then in his Hackney studio where Creatures from the Kaleidoscope was born. Not only an exhibition of existing and new bodies of work, but also an intimate invitation for the viewer into a kaleidoscopic world full of science fiction, spirituality, colour and creatures.
Divided into five rooms, the spectator will embark on a journey through his ideas, aesthetics and stimulations. THE INJECTION ROOM will introduce his muses and the film COLOR THERAPY that launched exclusively on A Shaded View of Fashion Film in early July. THE SHOWROOM will showcase Noble’s work dating from as early as 2009 to present day, allowing the viewer to see the growth of his distinct artistic style and themes. After familiarizing themselves with his small to medium works, they will then enter HIGHER STATE, a room full of film and sculpture that will lead to an intimate look at his studio and the climax of the show – existing as large scale artworks reminiscent of a dystopian cathedral or oversized tarot cards.
Eve and Larger Works
Image courtesy of Alex Noble & Ryan Lanji
The kaleidoscope of Alex’s mind is in a world that knows ours, but choses to break through our sociological confines. His work ignites the imagination and allows for a sense of wonder and excitement. His world is unreal, fantastical, full of open narrative and wonder and we are finallyable to immerse ourselves in it and understand his brilliance and ultimately get to know him.
In every Curator’s career comes an exhibition that is truly a pleasure, not only to witness but also to work on. The past year has been a whirlwind from preliminary meetings, to sketches, ideas to obstacles and ultimately what is due to be an outstanding debut for such a talented artist.
Alex Noble’s Creatures From The Kaleidoscope is open from August 31st – Sept 8th, 2013
The Three Injection Room
Image courtesy of Alex Noble & Ryan Lanji
Curated By: Ryan Lanji
Admission: Free
Londonewcastle Project Space
28 Redchurch St, Shoreditch E2 7DP
Daily 12 -6pm
STAY UPDATED
www.allisalexnoble.blogspot.co.uk
www.ryanlanji.com
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Words / Ryan Lanji
Follow him on Twitter @RyanLanji #NOBLECREATURES
