PRESS
RELEASE
corbettPROJECTS & the trafalgar
hotel are pleased to present
Yvonne
de Rosa contacts
Christina Benz liquid
Christina Benz liquid
private view tuesday 23 january
2007
7-9pm guest list
RSVP info@thecynthiacorbettgallery.com or +44 (0) 208 947 6782
7-9pm guest list
RSVP info@thecynthiacorbettgallery.com or +44 (0) 208 947 6782
16 january – 9 march
2007 at
the trafalgar hotel
trafalgar square
2 spring gardens
london sw1a 2ts
the trafalgar hotel
trafalgar square
2 spring gardens
london sw1a 2ts
contacts is a
series of photographic works, which explore human interaction and communication.
A pictorial journey, documenting with total candour people’s daily
lives and the contact they experience with others. In this work the artist
endeavours to explore the fundamentals of life such as faith, love and
friendship.
Each piece comprises a series of personal stories, which become interwoven through location and circumstance. The artist uses the contact sheet to frame them within a clear-cut, linear narrative, expanding and embellishing on the informal, content-driven aesthetic of the snapshot. De Rosa helps us to decipher these stories with the inclusion of inanimate objects, giving us the context and allowing us to develop our interpretations. We deduce their meaning by observing the way that people communicate and connect with each other through body language and their facial expressions. Studying the different behaviours towards strangers and friends, by observing other people and their lives and comparing them to ourselves, we are able to understand our own lives and make sense of the world around us.
Yvonne De Rosa was born in Naples in 1975. She earned a Degree Plus Distinction at Federico II University of Naples, Italy, and a PG Cert. in photography at Central St. Martins College of Art, University of London. De Rosa’s photographs have been exhibited with The Cynthia Corbett Gallery in London, Glasgow, Wimbledon, Chicago, Miami and New York, and are part of the private collection of Arco in Madrid. In late 2005, her work was showcased as part of “One Gallery, One Night, One Chance: Emerging Women In Photography,” sponsored by Kodak and Women in Photography International. Yvonne De Rosa lives and works in London.
Each piece comprises a series of personal stories, which become interwoven through location and circumstance. The artist uses the contact sheet to frame them within a clear-cut, linear narrative, expanding and embellishing on the informal, content-driven aesthetic of the snapshot. De Rosa helps us to decipher these stories with the inclusion of inanimate objects, giving us the context and allowing us to develop our interpretations. We deduce their meaning by observing the way that people communicate and connect with each other through body language and their facial expressions. Studying the different behaviours towards strangers and friends, by observing other people and their lives and comparing them to ourselves, we are able to understand our own lives and make sense of the world around us.
Yvonne De Rosa was born in Naples in 1975. She earned a Degree Plus Distinction at Federico II University of Naples, Italy, and a PG Cert. in photography at Central St. Martins College of Art, University of London. De Rosa’s photographs have been exhibited with The Cynthia Corbett Gallery in London, Glasgow, Wimbledon, Chicago, Miami and New York, and are part of the private collection of Arco in Madrid. In late 2005, her work was showcased as part of “One Gallery, One Night, One Chance: Emerging Women In Photography,” sponsored by Kodak and Women in Photography International. Yvonne De Rosa lives and works in London.
liquid contains three independent video installations and refers to its location as well as to the element of water which plays a role in all three pieces. The works are visual statements on today's society. Captivating images with a strong sense of composition are juxtaposed against cryptic, sometimes absurd or ironic content. Minimal scenarios echo with dark but humorous undertones. The protagonists are constrained to prolonged repetitive actions. Although stuck in a particular situation, the characters appear undeterred, striving to change their situation. In trapped a work which is projected onto the floor has inviting blue pool water which attracts the viewers attention. A woman under water moves in circles. What first seems to be a game, reveals itself as a struggle for escape. In the large wall projection mute, a school of goldfishes appear “larger-than-life". The totally black background gives the impression of an endless universe rather than a small fish pond. But the nonchalant fishes are troubled every now and than by a fishing net coming into the picture. In ripple, three balloons capture images of scenes on the lake, gently moving in the wind. Reality and reflection seem to merge.
Christina Benz, was born in Zurich in 1972, studied Fine Art in London from 2000–2004 and completed a BA (Honours) at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, University of London. Her work has been selected for solo positions at several international art fairs including ARCO 04 and in 2005 Benz was nominated for the illy prize at Artisssima12. Her video installations have been exhibited in galleries in Zurich, London, Barcelona and Brussels and at international art fairs in Europe, Britain and America. Collections include Fundación Centro Ordóñez/Falcón de Fotografía of San Sebastian. Christina Benz lives and works in Zurich.
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corbettPROJECTS was launched in 2004 by The Cynthia Corbett Gallery and focuses on exhibiting young, emerging artists and operates from innovative spaces such as hotels, offices, homes and shops, bringing art into unexpected environments and enhancing the viewers expectation.
The trafalgar hotel is by definition, the most central hotel in London. It pioneers a concept where stylish living, innovative food and drink and an ever-evolving programme of inspiring music and art, are combined to create a unique and luxurious base for a visit to the capital. Its ongoing programme of cultural events includes a series of exhibitions by high-profile contemporary artists and designers and one-off events. The trafalgar is a space that entertains, challenges and engages guests and visitors in all kinds of art forms, it is totally in-tune with London’s cultural life.
For enquiries contact The Cynthia Corbett Gallery at
www.thecynthiacorbettgallery.com Email info@thecyntiacorbettgallery.com
Tel: +44 (0) 208 947 6782