Launching on Tuesday October 3, 2017 (PV on Monday 2 October), British artist Alexander de Cadenet presents for the first time at St. Stephen Walbrook a series of bronze and silver sculptures featuring ‘consumables’ that contain deeper spiritual messages. The works include a selection of his ‘Life-Burger’ hamburger sculptures and 'Creation' – a larger scale shiny bronze apple with three bites taken from it – two
adult bites and baby bite in between.
'Creation' explores the mysterious process of creativity – of how both a human being and an artwork come into existence.
The artist states, “In Genesis, we were told by God not to take a bite from the apple, yet it was by taking a bite that we became ‘self-conscious’ and self-consciousness is what is necessary for making art”.
The 'Creation' sculpture is a large scale bronze based on the original 'Creation' life size sculpture made in 2015 from extra-terrestrial meteorite metal.
The 'Life-Burger' sculptures explore the relationship between the spiritual dimension of art and consumerism and, at their root, are an exploration of what gives life meaning.
Art historian Edward Lucie-Smith has written, “The Life-Burgers offer a sharp critique of the society we live in and yet simultaneously they are luxury objects in their own right”.
L.A. art critic Peter Frank writes, "We're at a moment in modern history where the excess has gotten staggeringly wretched. Oligarchs worldwide shock us and shame themselves with their conspicuous consumption -- a consumption that extends to the rest of us, as consumed no less than as consumers. Alexander de Cadenet encapsulates this emerging neo-feudal order in his gilded and multi-decked burgers.
For the meta-rich, the world is their fast food joint, and their appetite insatiable. Over 3.6 billion sold!"
L.A. art critic Shana Nys Dambrot has written that the ‘Life-Burgers’ are an “illustration of how the initial appeal of beauty might give way to a darker meaning over time”.
A selection of de Cadenet’s previous projects and participations include, Victoria & Albert Museum (1998), Museum of Modern Art Ostende (2001), Courtauld Institute of Art (2003), Beijing Olympics (2008), Museum of Torrance (2012).
Revd Jonathan Evens, Priest-in-charge of St Stephen Walbrook, says: ‘The Christian scriptures and tradition raise important questions regarding what and how much we consume. Alexander de Cadenet’s sculptures draw on the spiritual dimension in life to explore similar questions. This exhibition therefore provides a space in which reflection and review can occur.’
To read my interview with Alexander de Cadenet for Artlyst click here.
During the exhibition, a conference entitled ‘Art awakening humanity’, organised by St Stephen Walbrook in partnership with Alexander de Cadenet and Watkins Mind Body Spirit Magazine, will explore further the relationship between art and the spiritual dimension. Those wishing to register for this conference on Wednesday 25 October at St Stephen Walbrook can do so at https://ssw.churchsuite.co.uk/events/standzg2.
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