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A major exhibition of Storm Thorgerson's artwork was held from 21st September until the 9th October 2004 at the John Martin Gallery in Chelsea, off Kings Road, London. This represents the first showcase of Storms artwork since his stroke at the opening night of his Paris Pink Floyd "Interstellar" exhibition in October 2003. Storm Thorgerson, first with Hipgnosis (formed in 1968) and then later in his own right, is the artist behind the images synonymous with identifying the pop culture of the 70s throughout and into the Millennium. Creating visually beautiful and thought-provoking art, Storms work has featured on a variety of single, album and CD covers, as well as posters, and collected in books including "Eye of the Storm", "Mind over Matter" and "Walk Away Renee". Storms distinctive style has made his artwork one of the most recognisable in the music industry. He is responsible for the iconic images we associate with Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Momentary Lapse of Reason, Atom Heart Mother, Animals, The Division Bell and More. In 1985 Hipgnosis ceased to exist, but undeterred, Storm went solo and continued directing music videos. His direction for the Pink Floyd video "Learning to Fly" won the best director award at the American Billboard Awards. Storms work extended into documentaries, such as the two-part "Art of Tripping" for Channel 4 in 1993 which explored the connections between artists and drugs and included some new music from David Gilmour. The following year, Storm directed for Pink Floyd six short films to be screened through the duration of their world tour. The distinctive and edgy style of Storm Thorgerson Art has an element of "performance" to it. The Artist visualises the concept, creates the imaginative scene and then captures it through photography - the temporary installation is caught through the camera and then it is gone, leaving behind a photograph as the only evidence of the occurrence, which is what appears on the album cover. Storm takes joy in engaging the audience to provoke a reaction - is it reality or is it fantasy? STORM: "I like photography because it is a reality medium, unlike drawing which is unreal. I like to mess with reality. Bend reality. Some of my works beg the question is it real or not? I use real elements in unreal ways. Is the man really on fire? Why would he just be standing there? Who put the beds on the beach? Why? Why is there a cow on the cover? It doesnt have anything to do with the album, or does it? A boxer dog in designer boxer shorts on a beach? "Incongruity. I like to create things that are unlikely (dog in designer shorts), unbelievable (beds on a beach) and unacceptable (setting a man on fire). Make people doubt what they see. How real is real? My work triggers sufficient interest in what it is and makes people ask what it means." (Storm Thorgerson, private interview, 2004) A complete set of limited edition prints are available to view at www.jmlondon.com. These are a selection of Pink Floyd and other prints, wonderfully produced and would make great display items. On display are more than thirty limited edition numbered and signed prints as well as some of the sculptures that appear on the album covers. Approximately half of the artwork is associated with Pink Floyd. |
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Although the exhibition in London has now closed, the limited edition signed and numbered prints are still available at www.jmlondon.com and can be seen by appointment at John Martin Chelsea in London by calling +44 (0)20 7351 4818.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7351 4818 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7351 2351
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday - Friday, 10 - 6pm Saturdays 11 - 4pm
Getting there: John Martin Chelsea is situated in a former warehouse building off the Kings Road.
By Car: Burnsall Street is a one-way street with entry from both Astell Street and Godfrey Street off Chelsea Green. Best parking is at Marks and Spencer on the King's Road.
By Foot or Bus: Burnsall Street is about half way down the Kings Road between Markham Square and the Chelsea Cinema; on the corner of Choys Chinese Restaurant and Vodafone. Buses: 11,22,19 to Chelsea Town Hall
By Tube: Sloane Square or South Kensington.
Our thanks to Robin at Media Contemporary Arts for her assistance
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