XVA Gallery Presents ‘The House Is On Fire’ Exhibition
Launching 25 October, a solo exhibition by London-born artist Celina Teague will showcase paintings from two ongoing series that focus on her personal interest in climate change and environmental catastrophe
Celina Teague’s large oil-on-canvas pieces take their cue from young activists, specifically highlighting slogans from banners at public protest. In particular, the works focus on the present-day climate movement by Swedish activist, Greta Thunberg.
By focusing on some of Greta’s most impactful quotes from her speech at the UN Climate Action Summit, Teague asks her audience to contemplate the differing faces of activism and the complex nature of the dissemination of information in the digital era.
Using a palette of bright colours and large text, Teague’s works urgently address the viewers directly, compelling them to consider their own actions and impact.
“Celina is an extremely perceptive artist; while she paints instinctively, she understands her audience and has an innate ability to communicate to her viewers,” says Anna Seaman, the curator of the exhibition.
“The two series in this show represent parallel lines of thought that intersect as well as stand alone. The fight against global warming and Teague’s passionate love of the animal kingdom are incredibly important and cannot be overstated, especially as humanity hurtles through crisis after crisis in the 21st century. The house really is on fire and if we don’t try to put it out, we will all perish in the flames.”
The second series picks up on these themes by focusing on conventionally unappealing or lesser known animals and giving them protagonist status.
Fusing together poems, the artist highlights misunderstood beings such as cassowary, pigeon and lapwing, who become unexpected heros, much like Greta herself.
“Celina’s works capture the zeitgeist but are also universally relevant,” says Grace Hauser, Director of XVA Gallery.
“If anything, the events of 2020 and the outbreak of COVID-19 have taught us all that we are powerless in the face of nature. It is our duty to take action and to sit up and listen to the voices of the activists. This exhibition reminds us of this but in a visually appealing and attractive way.”
Focusing on such urgent and pressing issues by shedding light on some of the most impactful sentiments of our generation, this thought-proving exhibition is not one to miss.
For more information please visit xvagallery.com
All Images Supplied
