Isamaya Ffrench's Studio Iron exhibition at Saatchi Yates is a dystopian dreamworld, a fusion of industrial aesthetics and creative curation. Ffrench, known for her work in beauty and fashion, has ventured into art curation, creating a space that challenges traditional gallery formats. The exhibition, named after her medieval Germanic name meaning 'Iron Strength', showcases her love for raw materials, particularly metal, and explores the relationship between structure, function, and process.
One of the key aspects of Studio Iron is its eclectic mix of works, ranging from older pieces to more contemporary creations. Ffrench's approach to curation is deliberate and thoughtful, placing works in proximity that wouldn't usually be seen together. For instance, an impish statue of a Pinocchio-like boy by artists 4FS_B and Tom Schneider stands proudly in front of a 17th-century oil painting, creating a dialogue where meaning emerges through contrast.
The exhibition's aesthetics are textured and cold, with works like Anne Imhof's bronze bench and a strap-leather wall embossed with 'XANAX' adding a layer of tension. Ffrench explains that these aesthetics sit slightly outside comfort, encouraging viewers to look more closely and consider the clarity that comes from reduction and tension.
Studio Iron also introduces Ffrench's forthcoming Studio Iron Gallery, a design gallery and concept store that will focus on artists working in the 'liminal space of art and design'. The gallery aims to support emerging voices and shape cultural positioning, creating an ecosystem where curation, design, and creative direction feed into one another.
Ffrench's work in beauty and fashion, coupled with her industrial and dystopian aesthetics, has led to a natural shift into art curation. She believes that creative direction is about constructing worlds and shaping experiences, and curation allows for a slower, more dimensional form of storytelling. The exhibition at Saatchi Yates runs from April 30th to June 7th, offering a unique and thought-provoking experience for visitors.
In my opinion, Studio Iron is a fascinating exploration of the relationship between art, design, and curation. Ffrench's ability to create a dystopian dreamworld that challenges traditional gallery formats is impressive. The exhibition's eclectic mix of works and thoughtful curation make it a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art and design.
