Joe Black - Opera Gallery

Joe Black

Captivating Artist Joe Black Unveils his Debut Show ‘Ways of Seeing’ at Opera Gallery London Over the past decade captivating artist Joe Black has enjoyed a steady rise to fame on the London art scene and is consistently praised for his thought-provoking yet meticulous portraits that take centre stage at Opera Gallery London. From October 18th Joe Black unveils his debut solo exhibition ‘Ways of Seeing’ at the Opera Gallery London to coincide with the Frieze Art Fair. With admirers including Bono, Noel Gallagher, Liam Howlett, Russell Brand, Noel Fielding, Joséphine de La Baume and Jimmy Carr, Black’s latest exhibition explores the way we see pictures by making art work that is both seen as a whole and as a collection of small united parts. His ambition is for the audience to experience the striking scale and the intricate detail at once. The exhibition ‘Ways of Seeing’ emphasises the strong importance of seeing Joe Black’s work close-up and far away. “'Up close' and 'far way'” - Joe Black Joe’s choice of imagery is carefully selected from popular culture so it can be easily recognised. An example of this is “Workers of the World, Unite!” a portrait of Mao Zedong, made from 9,000 hand-painted toy soldiers. However, in Joe Black’s portrayal of the icon, the merging of old and new techniques present the subject in a new context. Joe Black does this by selecting small common objects, such as; test tubes, toy soldiers and badges to pay tribute to the subject. Looking closer, the object emerges and gives great expression and personality to the subject. This is perfectly executed in “Star”, using handpainted chess pieces to signify the Soviet dictator, Joseph Stalin, as a player who out manoeuvred his political opponents to become a super power. Through his time-intensive technique Joe Black has created an alternative form of pixelation, assembled entirely by hand. "Joe Black is an artist that all members of the public can enjoy. Not a single person who sees one of his works can remain indifferent to his intricate meticulous technique and to the perfection that lies within each of his artworks! "- Jean-David Malat, Director and curator of Opera Gallery London The objects incorporated in each portrait signify hidden meanings within the work and although Joe Black has his own ideologies, whether personal, political or social, his work is often tongue in cheek and playful but left open to interpretation of his audience. “Workers of the World, Unite!” a portrait of Mao Zedong

Close-up of “Workers of the world, Unite!”- 9,000 hand-painted toy soldiers (Dim. 240 x 180 cm)

About The Artist Born in 1973, Joe Black studied as a sculptor before moving on to illustration, working for many years as a successful commercial artist, before becoming a full time fine artist. Joe Black now focuses solely on his personal body of art. The exhibition ‘Ways of Seeing’ curated by Jean-David Malat, will be at Opera Gallery London 134 New Bond Street, London W1S 2TF October 18th – November 30th 2013 For further information/ Imagery on any of the artists or Opera Gallery London contact Brand Revolution: Natalie Williams [email protected]/ 0207 259 9499 Shannon Finnerman [email protected]/ 0207 259 9499

More Images by Joe Black “Experimental” is a portrait paying homage to iconic star David Bowie made with 9,000 painted test tubes. (Dim. 150 x 150 cm)

Brand Revolution 62 – 64 Lower Sloane St P +44(0)207 259 9499 E jointherevolution@brand-‐revolution.com www.brand-‐revolution.com

“Cold Hero” is a portrait of American hero Neil Armstrong made with thousands of chess pieces. (Dimensions 232 × 193 cm)


“Star” is a portrait of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin made with 5,000 chess pieces on wood. (Dimensions 234 x 183 cm)
