The Blind Swimmer

Location: East West Gallery, 8, Blenheim Crescent, London W11 1NN
Date: A Celebration of the Life of George Melly from 1/11/2007 - 10/11/2007

The Blind Swimmer

An exhibition from the collection of George Melly, curated by Michael Woods. East West Gallery open Wed-Sat 10am-6pm. T: 020 7229 7981.

This exhibition featured the painting by Maggi Hambling pictured here, and entitled "George, 13/6/07, describing his forthcoming role of Christ", oil on canvas 2007, 28" x 34".

George Melly abhorred the idea of a memorial service. He preferred this exhibition, held in his memory, where collages, drawings, paintings and sculpture, not only reflect his visual tastes, but distill his personality and essence of self, enthuse and capture his imagination. George Melly insisted the exhibition be presented in the style of the early Dada and Surrealist exhibitions in Paris in the 1920s and 1930s. Before his death, George instructed curator Michael Woods to: "Scatter everything around. Nothing must appear contrived. Randomly place objects together.."

The exhibition took place at East West Gallery owned by David Solomon, a personal friend of George, and in whose gallery the exhibition will be allowed the freedom to be constructed in the style outlined.

As curator Michael Woods noted in the exhibition text: "The title of the exhibition takes it's name from a term coined by Andre Breton, The Blind Swimmer, where eyes are closed to outer reality and one navigates through the mysterious waters of the unconscious, thus keeping faith with the Surrealist spirit pertaining to the Marvelous, yet aware that such uncharted territory can lead to madness".

Several of Maggi Hambling's recent paintings of her great friend George Melly featured, painted from memory after his death. The silk-screen print 'George Melly Singing' which George and Stephen Fry recently helped launch in aid of THT, was also exhibited.

created on 2007-10-21 22:34:51 by iapmag

Selection Previous Exhibitions:

The Blind Swimmer