Alex Hartley “Closer Than Before” at Victoria Miro, Venice
22 April, 2023 - 17 June, 2023
The exhibition "Closer Than Before" at Victoria Miro Venice marks a momentous occasion as it presents the first site-specific installation by the artist Alex Hartley in the gallery. This groundbreaking show features a dynamic architectural intervention that ingeniously transforms part of the space, setting the stage for a series of new wall-mounted works that delve into Hartley's fascination with layering, materiality, illusion, and the profound ways in which art challenges our perception of time and its fluidity.
Hartley's artistic practice often evokes the quality of a time machine that liberates the mind to wander through different temporal dimensions. "Closer Than Before" takes this notion further, inviting visitors to be transported into the future while reflecting back on the present or even the immediate past. The exhibition's underlying theme revolves around the effects of an unseen extreme tidal event, lending an ecological urgency that prompts viewers to contemplate the possible events that might have transpired and what the future may hold. Notably, the show coincides with the Biennale Architettura 2023 and was conceived during Hartley's residency with Victoria Miro in Venice.
Upon entering the main space, the viewer is immediately struck by the tideline encircling the walls, suggesting that the gallery had been flooded before the waters retreated. Remarkably, one of the walls appears to have partially crumbled, revealing a space beyond, seemingly existing in an entirely different architectural register. This intriguing visual language, reminiscent of board-formed concrete elements and a doorway, was inspired by the works of the Venice-born modernist architect Carlo Scarpa, who left an indelible mark on the city with his visionary projects. Hartley's immersive installation thus transforms the gallery into a portal to another world or time, prompting profound reflections on the concepts of layering, containment, and revelation.
Complementing the site-specific installation are the luminous wall works crafted from Carrara marble slabs. With their raw edges, these slabs establish a connection with the mountains from which they originated. Each marble slab houses a delicate monochromatic painting, overlaying a photographically constructed image that evokes another world. Titles like "Divide and Dissolve" and "Seen and Unseen" further emphasize the interplay between the tangible and intangible, inviting viewers to contemplate the porous boundaries between what remains hidden and what is revealed over time.
One of the most captivating works in the exhibition is "This isn't the Time." The large photographic image depicts a quarry face in Carrara, meticulously captured by Hartley during his explorations. Intriguingly, a central rectangular section of the photograph is left blank, and floating above this void is a pencil drawing that precisely replicates the intricate pattern of the cut mountain's veins and terraces. This seamless integration of photography and drawing delves into the concept of time and its multilayered representations within the geological subject matter.
Alex Hartley's work has gained international acclaim, and "Closer Than Before" stands as a testament to his artistic vision and unique approach to exploring the interplay between time, architecture, and human experience. The exhibition not only challenges conventional ways of encountering and understanding architecture but also invites viewers on a time-traveling journey that blurs the boundaries between past, present, and future. It is an immersive and thought-provoking experience that captures the essence of Hartley's artistic practice, leaving visitors with a profound sense of wonder and a renewed appreciation for the dynamic relationship between art and time.
"Closer Than Before" at Victoria Miro Venice is a captivating and intellectually stimulating exhibition that showcases Alex Hartley's prowess as an artist. Through a remarkable site-specific installation and a series of wall works, Hartley's exploration of layering, materiality, and illusion leaves viewers with an indelible impression. The exhibition's engagement with time as a transformative and multi-dimensional force elevates the show to a thought-provoking and memorable experience for all who encounter it.
