Tag Archives: Modernism

an enigmatic modernist.

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AXI-Christine-Erhard_ohl

A XI 2011

Crossing the boundary between photography, art and sculpture, German artist Christine Erhard’s work is familiar and ambiguous at the same time. The  architectural subject matter and modernist aesthetic seem familiar, until the unusual viewpoint and use of materials cause the imagery to appear distorted and other worldly.

Initially studying sculpture, Christine Erhard became increasingly interested in the images of the object, rather than the objects themselves, until photography and its ability to manipulate became her primary focus. She explores various movements within Modernism, with the avant-garde architecture of the Russian Constructivists a theme she returns to over and again.

Christine cites artists of the 1920s such as Laszlo Moholy-Nagy as her inspiration; artists who work in various disciplines – painting, poetry, graphic design, photography. Like Moholy-Nagy, there is a strong graphic quality to her work. For me, these works are both familiar and enigmatic, and very appealing.

AXX-Christine-Erhard_ohl.

AXX 2011

MI2_ohl

MI II 2012

QV111_ohl

QVIII  2012

More of Christine Erhard’s work, here. All images courtesy of the artist.

the anatomy of a building.

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lasdun_royal_college_of_physicians_front_dec_2005

Sir Denys Lasdun created a radical new headquarters for the Royal college of Physicians 50 years ago. Unlike anything else in the classical, verdant green surroundings of Regent’s Park, his building was bold, restrained and unashamedly modern. He is also the architect responsible for one of my other favourite of all London buildings, the National theatre, Southbank.

Lasdun’s building is comprised of three contrasting materials, expressing the form of the building and defining the three distinct zones. The grand, ceremonial areas are clad in off-white mosaic, appearing to float above the lower administrative areas constructed from dark blue engineering bricks. Concrete was used for the fire escape and functional, hard-working parts of the building.

rcp-exterior-03

This extraordinary building is the subject of a current exhibition, now until 13 February 2015.
‘The anatomy of a building: Denys Lasdun and the Royal College of Physicians’, Royal College of Physicians, St Andrew’s Place, Regent’s Park, London. More, here

Photograph via and RCP 

off to the beach.

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elephant slide on owl's house london.

After a brief foray into Surrey (in the shadows of Box Hill, known notably for its role in Jane Austen’s Emma, as well as the Olympic cycling last year), we are off to the beach.

I wrote about the Modernist architect John Winter in an earlier post (here); the Beach House was designed by him for his own use, and it’s available to rent. This is where we shall be ensconced, a stone’s throw from the east Norfolk coast. It’s not the charming curvaceous beaches of Sicily’s east coast, or the expansive endless horizon of sand of Australia’s coast, but it has sand crabs at low tide, and starfish at high; and the only accoutrement required is a bucket and spade. Just perfect for a three-year-old. Happy summer!

Elephant Slide (Girona 1975) via