James Gardner: Here To Go

Exhibition Description:

In this exhibition, James Gardner explores Western esotericism, the field of study that analyses neglected or “secret” knowledge in Western culture. Western esotericism covers important aspects of Gardner’s research, such as the legacy of astrology in visual culture, the influence of Alchemy in the early sciences, and occult influences on early abstract art. Gardner’s paintings are repeatedly layered, deconstructed, and recombined, echoing approaches to collage and assemblage. These states of becoming and decay reference ancient alchemical processes as well as new ideas in contemporary image philosophy. A byproduct of his laborious painting processes are large accumulations of debris: image fragments, mixtures of paint and insulation foam, and stones that have been used as weights or props in the studio. Rather than discard them, this “image matter” makes its way into sculptural installations that help to contextualise his paintings and the environment in which they are created. The slow accumulation of debris and other found objects ensures that his installations remain dynamic and continuously evolving. Ultimately, Gardner’s complex body of work examines the agency of images and their slow deterioration as they pass through time.