Both Sides Now
Lucia Babjakova & Magda Kowalska
11th to 22nd February.
Private View Sunday 16 Feb, 12 to 2pm
This exhibition by artist Lucia Babjakova and photographer Magda Kowalska probes the ways that photography and painters use their different mediums to portray what they see and create meaning from it. It looks at how each artist approaches the portrayal of the world before them using technology that is both ancient and modern.
Each artist has a different vision and stylistic approach to the portrayal of people, places and concepts, and the juxtaposition of the two illustrates the strengths of the methods and mediums and the potential synergy between the two. The underlying assumption of photography is that it captures a moment of ‘reality’, what is actually in front of the camera, yet painting strives for the creation of a ‘reality’ too–the reality of the way the artist sees the world. Both forms can reach into the still moment portrayed on canvas and paper and find a substance beneath the surface that speaks of much more than the single captured moment. Lucia is a vivid colourist who creates layers of meaning from seemingly simple imagery, touches universal themes through ambiguity and implicit narrative, and often hints at a darker duality beneath the surface of her vision. Magda shows faces and places with a focus on the beauty inside the image; she strives for the truth of what shines from faces and places. Her portraits are uplifting and resonate with a zest and vitality that glows from people and nature.
Both artists have exhibited at Trinity Laban Conservatoire as part of the TL Sessions Exhibition in 2024.
Lucia Babjakova
Lucia is a Slovak-born artist who grew up in Brno, Czech Republic and relocated permanently to Shoreham-by-Sea in 2010. She studied Aesthetics at Masaryk University Brno and has previously exhibited around Europe in Barcelona, Prague, Brno, Florence and London including the Concrete and Glass Saatchi exhibition in 2008. Lucia is a vivid colourist who creates layers of meaning from seemingly simple imagery, touches universal themes through ambiguity and implicit narrative, and often hints at a darkness beneath the surface. Her work is characterised by her deep respect for nature and a wide social/political consciousness.
She has been shortlisted by Artichoke Trust for a public art commission, selected for Sussex Contemporary 2024 and recently shown work at Bristol Circular Art Space, Pensychnant Gallery, Colonnade House in Worthing and Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London. @lucky_babjak_art
Magdalena Kowalska
Magdalena was born in Poland in 1975 and has been based in London since 1997. The main subject of her photography has always been people in various situations, and she gradually submerged herself deeper towards exploring portraits as a form of capturing one’s soul and inner beauty on the photographic paper. She is also passionate about capturing the beauty of London and the fleeting moments of the world around her that she finds interesting and beautiful. Any situation and any subject. @max_blacksmithx7
Secret Postcard
25th February to 8th March,
Members Only Private View: Tuesday 25 Feb, 6 to 8pm
We have some wonderful postcards that have come in, ready for the show! You can still pick up a postcard in Sprout or at Hazel's Cafe on Moyser Road, or at Howden Insurance on Mitcham Road - paint, draw, collage, embroider, photograph or write... get creative for us and return to sprout by 16th February.
We hope to have hundreds of postcards to choose from, and all of these mini masterpieces will be just £6 each, raising money to support our community art gallery, which is run by volunteers. It's 'SECRET' because you have to buy the postcard of your choice THEN find out who made it!
There will be a competition for all children under twelve, please write your name, age and contact details to enter!
This year we will also be having an Auction of a small selection of mini masterpieces, which will all be framed, you'll be able to bid for them throughout the two weeks of the show, with the highest bid winning
Our Members' Private View is on Tuesday 25th when sales of cards will begin (maximum purchase 3 per household). Sales to non members will start on Wednesday 26th at 11am - don’t miss out!
March 11 – 22nd Julie Sullock + Printmakers
Imprints
Krystina Stimakovits & Maria Storey
March 25 – 3rd April, Tues to Sunday 11am to 5pm
PV Wednesday 26 March. 6 to 8:30pm
Krystina Stimakovits: An everyday encounter with a configuration of lines and shapes that somehow resonates and imprints itself gets turned into a clear design. This design adapts as it requires wilful incisions using sharp tools and hand pressure on wooden spoons when printing. Invariably the resulting image surprises and like music continues henceforth to elude any precise meaning and comprehension.
In her mid 40s Krystina studied Fine Art at Camberwell. Following jobs in independent film and urban regeneration she has pursued photography and printmaking since 2006. Her works have featured in international magazines and in solo and group exhibitions in London, Cambridge and various European cities such as Barcelona, Budapest, Rome, Porto. @kristinastima
Maria Storey:
APRIL 7 – 19th SPROUT ABSTRACT Show: Steve and Derek leading
22 April to 3 May: Rose & Herb,
6 – 17 MAY: Val Coumont Jane Richards, Linda Latter
JUNE Summer Showcase | Fringe/City of Culture Event
Tues 24 JUNE to Friday 4 JULY Graveney School
Saturday 5 July: Furzedown Makers' Summer Showcase
July 10 to 12 Sprout Art Loan
