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
