LONDON.- The Approach presents Serpentine, an exhibition of new collage works from Danish artist Evren Tekinoktay.
The works in the show have a close relationship to Tekinoktay’s iconic neon sculptures, reminiscent of carnivals and Red-Light Districts. Translated from original sketches for the neons into painted paper cut-outs, the collages retain the same sense of energy, movement and vibrancy as the neons. Their geometric patterns and arrangements are offered up as rebuses, puzzles where words are replaced by images, symbols and letters.
Tekinoktay’s work often plays off concepts surrounding the construction of gender and so the show title, Serpentine, connotes a multitude of ideas, visual images and historical references. Of course, primarily referring to the serpentine curves found in the works, yet also beyond that, the serpent or snake-like figure suggests something more potent, deceptive and devious.
Evren Tekinoktay (b. 1972, Copenhagen, Denmark) lives and works in Copenhagen. Selected exhibitions include If I was your girlfriend, Belmacz, London (2018); Neon: The Charged Line, The Grundy, Blackpool (2017); Backgroudn / Foreground, Galerie Nordenhake, Stockholm (2017); Bermuda, David Risley Gallery, Copenhagen (2016); Ulalume, The Approach, London (2015); MOON SILK LUCID WALK, Den Frie, Copenhagen, Denmark (2015); The Inhabitants, Apart, Hotel Kong Arthur, Copenhagen, Denmark (2012); Purple Head, Galerist, Istanbul, Turkey (2011); U, Imo projects, Copenhagen, Denmark (2011); Lysets Land, Projekt Skagen, GI.Skagen, Copenhagen, Denmark (2011); Eldorado, Galerist, Istanbul, Turkey (2009); Material, Operation Room Gallery, American Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey (2009); Til Vægs, Charlottenborg, Copenhagen, Denmark (2009); A slightly pregnant man, The Approach, London, UK (2008); Rooming In, Patricia Low Gallery, Gstaad, Switzerland (2008); Kunst Giver Liv, Kunstindustrimuseet, Copenhagen, Denmark (2008).
Coinciding with Evren Tekinoktay: Serpentine, The Approach will be presenting Solutions, a display of new paintings by Rezi van Lankveld in The Approach main gallery space.
