Open Cube

Open Cube
Curated by Adriano Pedrosa
12 July – 21 September 2013
White Cube Gallery - Mason's Yard

What with Indian summer engulfing the capital, Pandemonia and Snowy decided on a light summer wardrobe.

Then, they hopped in a taxi for White Cube gallery, Mason's Yard, for Open Cube, an exhibition curated by Adriano Pedrosa.

The place was heaving with the likes of photographer Mario Testino and multimedia artist Michael Petry, all clambering to view Adriano's selection of 17 artists.

Pandemonia and Snowy negotiated the steep stairs down to the basement in a pair of Vivienne Westwood high wedge heels. There, P&S were overwhelmed by the sheer height of Frank Ammerlaan's "Day's End," a passivated zinc-on-steel delight.



Then, they moved on to get close up of a Fay Nicolson digital print on silk, the sight of which sent Snowy into a dizzy spell. He'd had a flashback to London Fashion Week, recalling all those designers overkill on digital prints.

Snowy and Pandemonia continued on to the next exhibitor to take their fancy. This time, they stopped to contemplate Nicky Teegan's "Void," artwork composed of recycled VHS tapes woven over bent steel. "What super use of all those VHS videos lying dormant in the loft or shed," P observed.



As for the curator Adriano Pedrosa, who Pandemonia and Snowy discovered beneath his very relaxed, understated wardrobe, he is a thought-provoking person. When they caught up with Adriano for a chat at the gallery reception, the conversation came to an abrupt end when an army of diehard art fans poured through the entrance, forcing Pandemonia and Snowy to veer away into adjoining ground-floor exhibition space.



Here, they encountered Charlie Dutton and Kate Saffin, who were enjoying the whole spectacle. This dynamic duo confessed, "We are the owners of Charlie Dutton Gallery." Kate embraced the moment and got to grips with Snowy, while Charlie invited both P&S to become Facebook pals. "And why not?" thought P&S, "They're fun."



On their way to the exit door, P&S were momentarily stopped from getting some fresh air and cooling off by artist manager and all-around connector Clea Irving.



Clea went into professional overdrive and escorted P&S out to the makeshift gallery-sponsored bar. At the bar, Pandemonia and Snowy were introduced by Clea to fellow artist Frank Ammerlaan. Pandemonia & Snowy congratulated Frank on his splendid DE and said, "We look forward to your next show."



Turning away from the bar, P&S spotted artist Henry Krokatsis propped up against the wall. Henry let it slip, "I'm working on another public work of art, and I'd like you to come to the launch." Pandemonia replied, "We'd be delighted."



They weaved their way to Duke Street, and on the pavement, they ran into artist Adam Waymouth, whom they last encountered at the Baku London cellar bar launch party with his doggie. Today, P recognised a fellow dog owner's forlorn look and duly handed him Snowy for a little cuddle.



Next, Pandemonia hailed a cab, and as P&S made a move to get in, two youngsters raced up and said, "We are from Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, and we've never seen anything like you two. Please, may we have our picture taken?" P&S graciously agreed.
Then, P&S waved them goodbye from the taxi and sped off home to catch up on some bedtime reading.

photo/copy: Stephen Mahoney

Jack Codling

I represent whatever people project onto me. Pandemonia is an archetype.

Article and Photography / Jack Codling.

Pandemonia is a seven foot latex fashion week wonder. Is she a woman? A celebrity? An art piece? Or a fine art creation? Coming out of the KTZ show, at Fashion Week , I waited by the exit soon to see a figure in a nude block palette dress sunglasses and accompanied by her dog. Pandemonia was walking towards me. I was quite mesmerised and very intrigued by this pop art style walking art piece. The buzz of Somerset House was the perfect atmosphere for the performance art that us Pandemonia to be displayed, her cleverly crafted entirety is what a lot aspire to have. With masses of photographers trying to capture her as she walks seamlessly on the cobbled stones of Somerset House, she stops and poses for them all on what is her platform. The way in which Pandemonia appears to everyone is so much more impressive then any other celebrity, she represents what every celebrity wants to be, perfect. After seeing her during Fashion Week I knew I had to find out more about her and hopefully the creative behind her.

Q: What do you represent?

A: I represent whatever people project onto me. Pandemonia is an archetype. She is the embodiment of the modern myth – the eternal celebrity who is forever young and beautiful. She is the anima that exists in the collective subconscious.

Q: Do you think what you represent has changed since you first set out?

A: The core idea remains the same. What has changed is Pandemonia has gone global. By developing my art, I appear to have has a positive contagious effect on people around me. The idea has jumped from person to person. What she represents now appeals to people all round the world.

Q: People have seen you in array of brilliant colours so what’s is your favourite colour ultimately?

A: My favourite colour at the moment is tan. I am into the muted pallet.

Q: If you could collaborate with any practitioner in the world, who would it be?

A: Last year, I collaborated with Vivienne Westwood and recently with Tim Walker. They are tough acts to follow. I would like to do a collaboration with a major brand, something like a clothing or beauty or beauty products.

Q: What shows did you attend at the London Fashion Week just gone? What were your highlights?

A: The recent London Fashion Week involved such names and shows as Kristian Aadnevik, KTZ, Felder & Felder, Nico Didonna and Nina Naustdal, who is also a good friend of mine, by the way.

Q: Who/ what is your biggest inspiration?

A: The Media

Q: Do you ever look at the trends going on? If so, do they affect your clothing?

A: Initially, no, but with all these fashion show I've been attending, something is rubbing off. This season, I was right on trend with my choice of colours and fabrics.

Q: Have you got any upcoming projects/ events that you're excited about and willing to share?

A: The Royal College of Art has invited me to do a lecture on my Art.

Q: As a fine artist who's platform is the fashion industry, do you have any advice for those wishing to enter either or both of the industries?

A: I did not exactly follow the book. I started developing my Art not in order to get into anything, but rather because I simply wanted to. It just so happened that people spontaneously became interested in it. I think if you wanted to get into the industry as a career choice, you would need to follow the normal channels.

Taken from original article on Jack Codling.co.uk