FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 1, 2017
The Carlton Arms Art Project presents TURN AND FACE THE STRANGE
The 35th annual opening celebration of new rooms by an eclectic international gathering of artists-in-residence from Sweden, Germany, Scotland and the US promises to be an event as quirky, unconventional and fascinating as the hotel itself.
Four new rooms will open on Thursday March 9th from 6 to 9 pm:
‘I’ll be your wallpaper’ by Cecilia Enberg,
‘Inventions: abstract architectures’ by Augusto Pacheco,
‘High Gloss’ by Sharron Devine and Ben Scappaticcio and
‘Where the Chillen are’ by Angela J Rogers.
In addition, two recently restored rooms,
“In rainbows’ by Marijke Brinkhof (the Netherlands) and
‘The Untied Status of America’ by Jennifer Sands Deane (US) will be open to view.
“This year’s show’s title is inspired by David Bowie’s song ‘Changes’ and a tribute to the late artist’s genius. “It felt pertinent given the hotel’s decades-long commitment to continued artistic re-invention as well as in light of recent global events.”
– said curator and former artist-in-residence Alex Wolkowicz
CECILIA ENBERG – ‘I’LL BE YOUR WALLPAPER’ (6A)
Stockholm-based artist Cecilia Enberg used her own body to create a repeating two coloured pattern on the walls of room 6A. The prints of her body parts transform into decorative ornaments, imitating wallpaper. With her physical action, Cecilia Enberg leaves a mark – an imprint on the hotel’s walls – stating: “I was here”.
AUGUSTO PACHECO – ‘INVENTIONS: ABSTRACT ARCHITECTURE’ (3B)
Augusto Pacheco’s work in room 3B focuses on three paintings that are inspired by NYC’s architecture:
“My work is the result of visions and reflections I have had in a short period of time in New York. The massive agglomeration of buildings, their heights and clear geometry produce an extraordinary impact.” reflects Pacheco.
The former architect who lives and practices in Berlin, uses intense colours to convey the impact New York has made on him in abstract minimalist paintings without referencing actual places.
SHARRON DEVINE and BEN SCAPPATICCIO – ‘HIGH GLOSS’ (7C)
Taking a novel approach to presenting their work, theatre practitioner Sharron Devine and Photographer Ben Scappaticcio will invite guests one at a time to experience the room they have created. The immersive, one-on-one journey will take around 5 minutes and involves all five senses. The couple who are from Scotland have designed Room 7C inspired by a year of travel with their 5 year old daughter Joan Lily. Keen for their visitors to experience some of the sights, sounds and feelings they encountered whilst on their travels they have also created a soundscape to accompany the room available for downloading via both their websites after the opening.
ANGELA J ROGERS – ‘WHERE THE CHILLEN ARE’ (10C)
New York based Angela J Rogers turned room 10C into the new home of ‘the Chillen’, her fictional characters who all died tragically early in life. The room is designed as a land that offers a respite for them to heal their trauma: “In this land the only language is music: They sing and play instruments into the night where they then lay down in the flowers under starry skies. As ‘the Chillen’ cross over, the elder meets them and they’re welcomed by the band ‘Tragic Relief’” said Angela about her paintings.
For the opening night, an installation will feature a soundscape and performers dressed as characters from the world she created.
MARIJKE BRINKHOF – ‘IN RAINBOWS’ (14B)
Marijke Brinkhof is an art director, stage designer and visual artist based in Rotterdam.
Her set and stage designs are usually based on the requirements of a script.
At the Carlton Arms, there is no script, no story-line, there are no actors… Instead, there will be guests whose needs the artist can only imagine.
Brinkhof has created a space that invites its visitors to feel and dream: 14B is an abstract environment, allowing room for emotions we all share: to long for loved and lost ones, to remember and to let go of dreams, whilst wrapped in shimmering colours.…
Room 14B IN RAINBOWS/ liggend in het gras was originally opened in 2015, but needed a retouch. This new version of the room will feature a few added extras.
JENNIFER SANDS DEANE – ‘THE UNTIED STATUS OF AMERICA (1C)
Jennifer Sands Deane has stayed at the Carlton Arms Hotel several times over the past 15 years.
Her background in US Navy electronics and IT administration contribute to her art in terms of detail and meaning. “Precision is very important to meaning, but people tend to see what they already believe they think they know.”, she says. Even in large scale images, there are subtleties that are not always immediately apparent unless you are paying attention.
Deane became a contributing artist to the Carlton Arms Art project 10 years ago when she painted Room 1C – The Money Room – The Untied States of America, was a look at the importance of currency in the politics of power and control. She was among the international bevy of Carlton Arms artists who showed at the Artbreak Gallery in Brooklyn in 2008. “Being an artist and/or a guest at the hotel is a very unique experience. There are always artists and travelers from all over the world here. And the hotel staff make it the place you always want to come home to.”
“I’m honored and excited that the hotel invited me to come to some touch-ups and add some imagery to my room with this exciting new group of art residents.”
The theme of the room still works in today’s political environment, so it seems like pushing the imagery a little just works. The room has evolved into The Untied Status of America.
Deane is now based in Staunton, VA and is a member and working artist in the Beverly Street Studio School. She has shown nationally on the east and west coast in political shows, and she has shown with her Mom (Virginia Deane) in a two woman show at multiple venues in the past couple of years.
photos: Darek Solarski
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