Doug Foster 21st January-19th February 2011 @ the Lazardes Gallery

In the Naughty Chair is Dough's first solo exhibition in the Lazarides Gallery. The atmosphere in Lazarides Rathbone Gallery reminds me of an underground scene, dark and daunting, with attention drawn to human experiment. This exhibition showcases Doug Foster’s renowned video and installation art, part of human psyche, which Foster has been fascinated by for some time now.

In the piece In The Naughty Chair, the emphasis is on the steel chair, which at first might look like an electrical chair. Called Brainwasher, with straps on each side the concept is inspired by its illegal use during the Cold War by the CIA. In the space the Brainwasher is accompanied by a video of symmetrically floating liquid, where the soundtrack enhances the sinister mood.

Forster’s installations are rigid, intense and emotionally immersive. His depiction of The Herectics’ Gate is inspired by Dante’s vision of hell, an entry to Sixth Circle where heretics die. The video painting is attractive and has this magnetic vibe that could possibly hypnotize viewers. The symmetrical flames, with colors varying from caramel beige to soft red, reflect a liquid being poured to the prominent echo.

An earlier work, a massive chamber Breather portrays a video through stereoscopic viewfinder. Inside there is depicted a tank where a female character breathes and then dives. The viewer engages and goes on a journey with her. Slightly lower, underwater, she gives air to a handsome male. The context that they are naked creates a soft erotic mood. While she shoves gracefully up again, the gorgeous male keeps staring at her body.

The most breathtaking construction is Frozen, a video installation depicting a cryonic preservation of seven individuals. It is so real and devastating that the notion of individuals’ presence or future does not cause a concern. Next to it is the actual set of a freezer assembled to the wall with chains on the side, like it should be.

Foster’s work is magnificent. The interactive installations are engaging with viewers’ conscious and perception. Simply encouraging the viewer to plunge in.

All images courtesy of the artist and Lazarides Gallery

Photography by Ian Cox

London Art Fair

18th January-23rd January

This year’s London Art Fair is the biggest yet, bringing together the finest modern and contemporary artworks from 31 US, Europe and Britain. Likewise, Art Project and Photo50 will engage viewers with projects, notable for the current economic state and conceptual art.

It is the 23rd year for the London Art Fair with visual art experts presenting guided tours, talks and discussions about the artworks on show. Look out for the outstanding works by Glaswegian art collective duo littlewhitehead and Lisa Barnard’s documentary photography series ‘Maggie’ - taken from Barnard’s current series 32 Smiths Square are discarded snapshots of Margaret Thatcher after she became Prime Minister.

Each of the galleries’ spaces embodies a vision, where emotions, journeys and stories merge. The sculptures by Rachel Schwalm generate a vibe that haunts every viewer. While very figurative and conceptual artist, Anthony Green, reflects the inspiration he gets from everyday life. Lynn Chadwick’s solid sculptures magnetize with its expressive and refined shapes. Then again Katharine Morling’s miniature collection reflects Alice in Wonderland narrative in a pure and untainted way.

A contemporary photography showcase Photo50 features 50 works, all for sale, by nine established artists. Each artwork is nominated for its unique context, focusing on identity, landscape and popular culture. Besides photography, Art Project’s key characteristics and concepts are remarkable installations, which often vary in the use of mediums.

Go for little wander down yourself, The London Art Fair runs until the 23^rd January at the Business Design Centre in Islington. For more info go to www.londonartfair.co.uk

Photography: Katre Laan

by artist Zak Ove

by artist Katharine Morling

by artist Rachel Schwalm

by artist Lynn Chadwick 'Sitting Figures'

by artist Julio Rondo

by artist Geraldine Gliumbislavich