Yes, Hackney’s had the other world-wide web for years – but later this month a whole new Webb will be arriving. It’s British collage artist extraordinaire Joe Webb, whose work will be showcased at the Hang-Up Gallery in a bold and brilliant exhibition entitled Sweet Armageddon.
The work on show will be a brand new collection of large-scale collages and paintings, plus a new limited edition release, that wittily comment on how consumerism has led us to turn a blind eye to world problems. By juxtaposing innocent imagery taken from 1950s advertisements with scenes of mass destruction, the artist highlights how mainstream culture aims to distract us from day-to-day realities.
It’s not a dry commentary, though. Webb injects humour in each image – helping us see bleak subjects such as droughts, deforestation and war in a whole new way. The artist explains: “Ideas and aspirations for the future have all gone wrong. By injecting some dark humour into the situation makes it slightly more palatable and helps me to get the message across”.
Webb last exhibited at Hang-Up a couple of years ago. Since then, he’s had a show (Paper Cuts) at the Saatchi Gallery and sold work across the world – including a work called “Giant Leap” which US rock band The Madden used as a record cover. Come see this exhibition and be inspired!
Sweet Armageddon 29th May to 12th July Hang-Up Gallery, 56 Stoke Newington High Street, London N16 7PB Open Wednesday to Saturday, noon till 6pm or by appointment Admission free For more information go to www.hanguppictures.com or tel. 020- 3667 4552.
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