The body and the landscape

On the occasion of the Creativity and Wellbeing Week initiative led by London Arts and Health Forum, Open Gallery is pleased to present the group exhibition ‘The body and the landscape’.

Introducing a visual parallel between the power of 'Earth' and the human body, this one-channel video painting installation showcases the group series Earth alongside Sidsel Christensen’s solo series 'Study for Composition VI (Framing Sensual Phase Transitions)'.

'Earth' is a five hour group series of thirty five video paintings shot by Alex Bettler, Isabelle Inghilleri, Sanchita Islam, Hilary Lawson and William Raban. The collection’s striking contrast of landscapes roams from the Black Mountains of mid Wales, to the stark ice fjords of Norway, over to the undulating tea plantations of Indonesia and into the lustrous orange groves of Valencia. Compelling and atmospheric, the natural imageries presented through the series immerse the viewer into an uplifting contemplation of the raw beauty and force of nature.

'Study for Composition VI (Framing Sensual Phase Transitions)' by artist Sidsel Christensen is a series of video sequences that portrays a landscape pushed to the boundaries of abstraction. This body of works
comprises a sequence of twelve video paintings lasting over an hour. Presenting a natural setting strongly marked by the human presence as to evoke narrative and symbolism, the series offers an intense exploration of the body, staged against the craggy coastal settings of Norway. Yet, this theatrical figure, metaphysical at times, soon becomes part of the panorama, harmoniously fusing together with the features of the landscape.

‘The body and the landscape’ is curated by Open Gallery in collaboration with Arts St. Georges and it will be held at St. George’s Hospital from 6-18 June.
The show will be accompanied by a special panel discussion marking the exhibition opening event.

Highlighting medical research and scientific evidence carried in recent years for the beneficial outcome of incorporating art in healthcare settings, this event will provide a thoughtful forum for discussing the valuable role of hospital arts programs to improve patients’ overall health outcomes and quality of life. In particular, the event will be focusing on the positive contribution of nature based artwork to the enhancement of the clinical environment and the well-being for patients.