>DRIFT 'O8 - VARIOUS ARTISTS

On and around the Thames, London
26 September - 19th October 08


www.illuminateproductions.co.uk/drift08
London's first annual art exhibition on the Thames...

This unique and ground-breaking contemporary art show will see seven installations being placed in the river and along its banks between Blackfriars Bridge and Tower Bridge and one work at Canary Wharf ...interesting!

...Whilst enjoying my morning wander into work the other day - I was stopped dead in my tracks by this beautiful object - a re-claimed Trinity House Buoy! It has been enhanced and given a new lease of life by the British artist Andy Harper. At first glance you would be forgiven for thinking that this was just another rusty old piece of marine hardware, placed on the Southbank to slow down the speedy joggers and cyclists... But no, look closer and you see weird and wonderful plants, creatures and bone like formations, licking their way around the metal structure - flame like and organic, fluid and surreal. The painting technique is quite amazing and very interesting, the pigment looks as if it has been dragged and smeared to create the various shades and plant like textures... really intriguing and well worth stopping for and admiring - up-close!


You will be able to see more of Andy's work at 'one in the other', London from 9th October.


Other works worth noting are 'Ghost Bridge' by Keith Bowler (below left). A Laser installation that will recreate the old Blackfriars Railway bridge and become more visible as night falls. And 'love-love' by Julien Berthier from France. This renovated and motorised sailboat, which the artist saved from the waves, can be seen at various locations around Canary Wharf... ship ahoy!



Between 5 and 8 out of 10