“POKE Something That Bites” is an exhibition that explores the symptoms of an anxiety disorder.
Wallpaper inspired by anxiety
“When the mind is like an angry wasp’s nest thrown into the middle of an elephant’s carcass being torn to pieces by a pack of hyenas,” says artist Cohen Gum by way of explanation, “ it can be difficult to process ‘normal’ or ‘rational’ thoughts.”
Presently showing at Nishi Gallery in NewActon, the unusual show is entirely the work of Australian designer and artist Gum, whose art entices people in with bright, almost cheerful colours, before leaving the viewer with a feeling of ice-cold dread once they truly absorb the quite confronting content.
Influences behind Cohen’s bold illustrative style can be traced back to cartoons like Rocko’s Modern Life, Aaahh!!! Real Monsters and Invader Zim, where what was suitable for viewing by children but which was humorous for adults sometimes came into conflict. Such themes continue to be a consistent undercurrent in Gum’s work, with his art skipping from adolescent optimism to late-stage adult pessimism so quickly you might miss the nuances.
‘Poke Something That Bites’ is an attempt at visualising anxiety symptoms like fear, worry, despair, complete mistrust in others through the media of illustration, character design and sculpture/object design.
Oh yes, you’ll rarely see wallpaper like that on display in this show.
‘Poke Something That Bites’, in Nishi Gallery, 17 Kendall Lane NewActon, facing Palace Electric Cinemas until Tues November 18, all welcome.
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