Maddox Gallery are proud to exhibit Context Plz, the latest collection of work by British artist, Sebastian Chaumeton.
Created as a contemporary reinterpretation of The Twelve Labours of Hercules, Chaumeton’s collection explores the consequences of internet culture and how in a world where we are simultaneously bombarded with information but detached from each other, context is king.
Playfully reimagining the Greek myths with recognisable cartoon characters and internet memes, the thirteen works see the hero - signified by the cat, Tom, of the popular cartoon Tom & Jerry - fighting modern day monsters. From exploring the effects of social media to challenging large technological corporations, Chaumeton reconceptualises the archetypal story of good versus evil, turning pre-conceptions on their head.
With a multi-media approach that counteracts the immediacy with which we process images online, Chaumeton uses found three-dimensional items, like rubber bands and key board fragments, to disrupt how the viewer processes and understands his art, compelling them to probe deeper and reconsider their pre-conceived notions.
Interwoven with rich stratums of context and accompanied by plaques that break down the layered meaning of each work, Context Plz addresses the link between our perception and comprehension, provoking the viewer to challenge their bias. As Chaumeton explains, “the core concept of my work is that context is everything. Everyone comes to images with their own pre-conceptions, and I want to subvert that”.
As part of the exhibition, the artist will be making a live appearance across six days to paint two large amphoras within the gallery space. Taking requests from the public as to what they would like to see painted on each, the amphoras will be equally as layered in meaning as Chaumeton’s collection, completing a body of work that provides a humorous yet evocative look at the world we live in.
Context Plz will be available to view from the 6th May to 20th May at Maddox Gallery, 112 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 5RU.
The days in which the artist will be present throughout to hand paint the amphoras include Saturday 8th, Sunday 9th, Monday 10th, Friday 14th, Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th May.
