Legendary subcultural photographer Derek Ridgers and contemporary painter Sam Jackson depict the same subjects, contrasting medium
'The painter constructs, the photographer discloses.' Susan Sontag, On Photography
CHARLIE SMITH LONDON is pleased to announce 'Covered', a two-person exhibition featuring painter Sam Jackson and photographer Derek Ridgers at Gramercy Park Studios in Soho, London
'Covered' is a provocative new exhibition featuring the works of painter Sam Jackson and photographer Derek Ridgers, exploring the shifting dynamics of the male gaze in contemporary artThrough painting and photography, both artists confront the complex, and often controversial, ways in which men depict womenTheir works examine the themes of objectification, agency, and power, asking whether it's possible for the male gaze to transcend its historical legacy and offer a more nuanced, empowering perspective
The exhibition is built around two key ideas: construct and discloseWhile Ridgers' photographs conceal his subjects behind glass, gels, water, or fabric, Jackson's paintings 'uncover' them, offering a more direct but equally complex portrayalSignificantly, these works depict the same women-with each subject captured both by Jackson and RidgersPresented as painter-photographer pairs, the images invite comparisons not just between media, but also between ways of seeingThe result is a dialogue between concealment and revelation, surface and psychology
In a statement reflecting his artistic journey, Ridgers notes that the title 'Covered' speaks to both his artistic process and the vulnerability inherent in the project: "Revealed but still half hidden," he says, explaining how the portraits present his subjects behind various layers, symbolizing his own personal hesitation in fully unveiling his workRidgers gives total agency to his subjects, and the duality of exposure and concealment is central to the exhibition's narrative, creating a space where the artists and subjects alike navigate the boundaries of privacy, identity, and public gaze
The exhibition questions the role of the viewer: are these images objects of desire, or do they offer a deeper understanding of the people and stories behind them? Through this lens, the show also explores the role of the digital age in consuming and commodifying images of women, asking whether modern technology exacerbates or challenges traditional representations of the female body
'Covered' ultimately engages with the question of agency: who controls the image, the story, and the gaze? By flipping traditional roles of maker and subject, Jackson and Ridgers invite the audience to reconsider their relationship to the female form in artThe exhibition encourages a critical reflection on how art is consumed, the responsibility of both creator and viewer, and whether power can be reclaimed from the audience by the subject
About the Artists:
Sam Jackson has exhibited widely at galleries and institutions including Saatchi Gallery, London; The Sainsbury Centre for the Visual Arts, Norwich; Walker Art Museum, Liverpool; Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, Bournemouth; Dean Clough, Halifax; Galerie Robert Drees, Berlin; Galerie Rigassi, Bern; Koraalberg Contemporary Art Gallery, Antwerp; and Mark Moore Gallery, LAHis work is placed in prominent private collections globally including Javier Baz, Denver; Glen Luchford, New York; David Roberts, London; Sir Norman Rosenthal, London; and Kay Saatchi, Los Angeles
Derek Ridgers is a celebrated British photographer whose work spans over four decades, documenting subcultures, music scenes, and underground nightlifeHe is best known for his iconic images of punks, skinheads, and club kids in London during the 1970s and '80sHis photographs have been published in acclaimed books including Skinheads, London Youth, and 77-87 London Youth, and featured in publications such as The Face, NME, and Time OutRidgers has exhibited internationally and his work is held in major public and private collections, cementing his reputation as a key chronicler of British counterculture
For artwork list email direct@charliesmithlondon.com
The event will take place at Gramercy Park Studios, 25 Great Pulteney Street, Soho, London W1F 9NDAvailable to view Monday-Friday 10am-5pmFor further information please contact direct@charliesmithlondon.comFollow @CHARLIESMITHIdn
URL: Instagram: https://go.evvnt.com/3297909-2?pid=269
Artists: Sam Jackson, Derek Ridgers
Hotels near Gramercy Park Studios - Soho
Staying overnight in London?
Wondering where to stay that's close to Gramercy Park Studios - Soho? We've teamed up with Booking.com to provide the best room rates for hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs near the Covered | Sam Jackson And Derek Ridgers event in London.
Valet Apartments Golden Square
Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Valet Apartments Golden Square is set in London, 200 metres from Piccadilly Circus. Piccadilly Theatre is 200 metres away. The accommodation is fitted with a flat-screen TV.
Apartment Beak Street
Apartment Beak Street is an apartment located in London, 100 metres from Carnaby Street. The apartment is 300 metres from Piccadilly Circus. There is a dining area and a kitchen equipped with dishwasher.
Great Windmill Street Apartment
Featuring free WiFi, Great Windmill Street Apartment offers accommodation at different addresses in central London. All units feature a dining area and a seating area with a satellite flat-screen TV..
Ham Yard Hotel
Offering a restaurant, bar and fitness centre, Ham Yard Hotel is located in London, just 3 minutes walk from Piccadilly Circus. It also has a garden, terrace and sauna, and massages can be arranged on site at an extra cost..
Soho Studios
Featuring free WiFi, Soho Studios offers accommodation in London. Queens Theatre is 100 metres from the property. All units include a TV.
My Apartments Piccadilly Circus
My Apartments Piccadilly Circus are high quality serviced apartments, located in one of Central Londons most vibrant neighbourhoods. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout..
WebsiteVisit website
VenueGramercy Park Studios Soho
Address25 Great Pulteney Street, London, Greater London,
Explore localWhat's on in London
Local tourist information guide
Other eventsWhat's on at Gramercy Park Studios Soho
Main photo may be copyright © LoveEvvnt
Your comments:
comments powered by DisqusDisclaimer: This event is not organised by BritEvents, and we cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information provided, errors, or omissions. Always check the information provided before you book tickets.
