An art review of ‘Time’ by Dr Abbie Cairns at Level Best Art Gallery, written by Trainee Gallery Assistants William, Derek, Shelby and Owen, with assistance from staff member Alison.
Abbie is an artist and teacher who lives in Essex. She is a researcher who also makes and exhibits work about text, context and identity.
The exhibition is made up of around 17 pieces on brown cardboard or paper. There is not much colour, they are all black and white, made using paint and pen.
The work is covered in lots of words. Some of them have paint splattered on them.
There are arrows and shapes of people made using black tubes. They look like they are doing the splits. Maybe they are a bit potty, or maybe they are drunk. They also look a bit like they could be bikes. You could feel these with your hands.
The space is somehow both calm, but also terrifying. We would also describe it as funky, mad, but a bit much. The exhibition does not feel happy or cheerful.
Derek says ‘Its dismal, and it feels morbid.’
The show is about time, and time is of the essence. Maybe the exhibition is about people bending and falling over when their time is over.
Shelby says ‘It’s makes me think about the nursery rhyme ‘Hickory Dickory Dock’ but I’m trying to work out how the exhibition represents time?’
Our favourite pieces:
Shelby: My favourite is the upside down handstand one. I like it because their legs are going in different directions
William: ‘Keep on Going’ is my least favourite piece
Derek: My favourite piece was the person who looked as though he was a tree but I wouldn’t pay £150 for nobody
Owen doesn’t have a favourite
What would you give the exhibition out of 10 and why?
Owen: 4/10 because Its creepy and scary
Shelby: 2/10 because it’s a bit annoying
William: 6/10 because it’s upsetting – it’s a bit up and down
Derek: 10/10 because it’s ultra modern. Although it looks morbid, I love it
Alison: 6/10 because it has generated a lot of discussion
We would like to encourage people to see the art work, even though its not our cup of tea. We don’t all like it but you might, so come and see it for yourself.
The exhibition is open until Friday 29th August.
