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