Rise and Fall encapsulates the cyclical nature of human history, where civilisations, empires, and economic systems undergo periods of ascent and decline. It invites contemplation on the patterns and rhythms of societal change, the complexities of power dynamics, and the fragility of human achievements.
The solo exhibition offers multi-layered textured paintings, algorithmically re-ordered photographs of paintings and pixel sorted animations; a multifaceted journey from the inception of Modern Capitalism to the complexities of our contemporary world, all viewed through the prism of mythological interpretation. At its core lies a profound engagement with the symbology of the Financial Times, transformed into a tangible representation of the vast expanse of global capital, a light-speed force that both shapes the spaces of Utopian promise and dystopian despair wherever it accumulates.
Central to the exhibition's narrative are the algorithmically reconstructed still life paintings from the Rijksmuseum, which serve as poignant reflections on the rise and fall of empires and to question histories written by victors. These works traverse epochs, from the dawn of Modern Capitalism to the digital age, inviting viewers to contemplate transient beauty, fragile mortality and futile material pursuits. Amidst this tapestry of symbolism, glitched Still Life paintings emerge as potent symbols of transition, embodying the shifting landscapes of human endeavour and aspiration. Through these subverted reflections of traditional art, the exhibition navigates the intersection of mortality and materialism, inviting introspection on the essence of our modern condition.
Meanwhile, the evocative imagery of bull riders mythically parallels the tumultuous movements of financial markets, drawing allegorical connections between economic forces, primal instincts and the human need for belief whether that's a hero, deity or an ideology. Interwoven within this narrative and indicating where the current pinnacle of Capitalism might be are landscapes that delve into the rich histories of China, juxtaposed against the backdrop of rapidly expanding megacities some of which have GDPs equivalent to small nations. These landscapes serve as poignant reminders of humanity's enduring relationship with nature, amidst the relentless march of progress.
Ultimately, the exhibition aspires to be a visually poetic experience; it aims to ignite an existential dialogue, prompting viewers to ponder profound questions about the trajectory of human civilisation across time and the enigmatic tapestry of our collective human condition.
