Long-Sharp Gallery is elated to announce a solo exhibition of works by Moira Cameron and Xavier Spiller-Cameron, UK-based dynamic duo, mother-and-son known as Spiller + Cameron. This exhibit marks their first solo exhibition in the United States. The exhibition opens in Indianapolis on October 1, 2021; it will consist of seventeen mixed media paintings from five series of works, each of which have a central and important quality – they are constructed from recycled materials.
Though the term originated in the 1960s, environmental art (also known as sustainable art) has been practiced in some cultures for centuries. The movement is typically broken down into seven types, including land art (using materials from nature to create artwork integrated into the land itself), renewable energy sculptures (artworks which produce or consolidate energy in and of themselves), and upcycling (creating artworks from material previously deemed unusable or unworthy).
Spiller + Cameron describe their artistic process by virtue of “alchemy” – something which transmutes a base product into something worthy of contemplation, something beautiful. The artists create using discarded paint rags, “upcycling” them; they are primed, ironed, and meticulously stitched together, the resulting “collages” so precise that the stitches almost disappear. Recent works by the artists incorporate discarded and recycled shopping bags, some collected and kept from New York City in the 1980s.
According to Xavier Spiller-Cameron: “The delicate but precisely sewn lines connect the panels seamlessly giving the impression of one piece; the meticulousness required was something there was no way to replicate. Once the panels are connected and finished it gives a sense of permanence and belonging.”
Their latest series of works, each painting titled after a saint, is meant to watch over those in its presence. Earlier this month, these powerful faces were received at London’s esteemed art fair, “Eye of the Collector”, with much excitement. Indeed, both works exhibited at the fair were scooped up on opening night, as reported by both artnet and The Art Newspaper.
The Indianapolis exhibit’s opening reception on October 1 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm is sponsored by Conrad Indianapolis. It is free and open to the public.