John Stezaker, Contemporary Art Society, London

John Stezaker, Contemporary Art Society, London

Through the medium of collage, John Stezaker examines the subversive elements within found images, such as film magazines, vintage postcards and illustrations. Praised for his innovative approach to visual arts, Stezaker won the Deutsche Börse prize in 2012 and has presented solo shows all over the world. Fall XII and Fall XIII (both 1992) were recently bought for York Art Gallery through the Contemporary Art Society and will be on display at the Contemporary Art Society from 4 Sept until 4 October.

The works are collages of the male and female bodies and explore traditional artistic training such as anatomical study and life drawing, by referencing the source material of Arthur Thompson’s book Anatomy for Art Students, a core text for students at the Slade School of Art until the 1970s. The works complement York’s collection, which is strong in nude studies including figurative drawings, paintings and prints. Fall XII and Fall XIII will be on display at the CAS alongside works from York’s collection, including Helen Chadwick and William Etty and so contextualise the choice of works for York and complement and bring new life to their historic collection. John Stezaker discusses his work at the Contemporary Art Society on 12 September.

John Stezaker, 4 September until 4 October, Contemporary Art Society, 59 Central St, London Borough of Islington, EC1V 3AF. www.contemporaryartsociety.co.uk

Credits:

1. John Stezaker, Fall XII, Collage, 1992. Courtesy Contemporary Art Society
2. John Stezaker, Fall XIII, Collage, 1992. Courtesy Contemporary Art Society