< Previous    Next >

   

Vincent James ‘Reanimator’
30.04.04 – 12.06.04

Vincent James' previous work examined the difference between cartoon objects and the real objects they represent. He emphasised this difference by making three-dimensional versions of the objects so that it seemed as if the objects had stepped out from the animations and into the gallery space. His work has since evolved to encompass different media, and now takes a more playful, less purist approach to the translation of 2-D images into 3-D objects. Where the previous work tended to appropriate just one isolated element, these newer pieces bring together objects from different cartoon worlds and create extraordinary and surreal associations. Objects originally glimpsed fleetingly as cartoon frames become frozen in time, locked in three-dimensional space or trapped in endless loops of animation. The viewer has more time to consider the objects and reflect on how their new roles differ from their roles in the original narratives.

In James' work there is a paring down of already simplistic cartoon representations. Shadows and shading are banished; outlines and flat colours prevail. The transformation of flat cartoon images into three-dimensional sculptures is echoed in the process that James uses to produce his 'toy' sculptures. Starting out as flat patterns and pieces of fabric, these 'toys' are filled with toy stuffing and transformed into objects.

James' images come to life in his 'moving pictures', which, though they have the appearance of traditional animations, have no beginning or end and are therefore free from the usual complications of storyline. The objects or 'characters' are suspended in perpetual loops. James' aim is to bring attention to 'a cast of objects' that previously existed as little more than props or minor figures in the narrative. Removed from their original environments, reinvented and reanimated, these objects are now free to star in new plots and scenarios, and become central figures in their own right.

Vincent James graduated from the Goldsmiths College MA course in 1999. He has exhibited both nationally and internationally at shows in New York, London, Los Angeles and Sao Paulo. Most recently his work has been included in 'Art in the Triangle' (The Triangle, Manchester) and in 'The Ace Invitational' (Ace Gallery, New York). His work is also part of the Frederick R Weisman Collection in California.

For further information or images by the exhibitors contact
Comme Ca Art on: Tel: 0161 839 7187
Email: info@commecaart.com




< Previous    Next >
Back to Current/Future Exhibitions <

Home | Past | Current/Future