Debut Solo Show at Guts Gallery
In this latest body of work, she contemplates survival as an artist and the yearning for community and a place in the (art) world as a self-taught artist.
‘I PROMISE I DON’T BITE / JAG LOVAR ATT JAG INTE KOMMER ATT BITA DIG’, is a debut solo exhibition by Swedish based artist Julia de Ruvo. In this latest body of work, she contemplates survival as an artist and the yearning for community and a place in the (art) world as a self-taught artist.
Taking influence from Michel Houellebecq’s 1991 essay ‘To Stay Alive’ on ways to survive as an artist, the works present the link between our own human need for attachment and our will to find it within ourselves.
De Ruvo explores this notion through the relationship between humans and domestic animals. Often mirroring our behaviours, these animals walk with us side by side, simultaneously reflecting the ferocious, loyal and often unpredictable relationships we experience in the world.
Animals as companions to de Ruvo display a sense of understanding, often opposed to the artist’s internal detachment to the outside (art) world. As an artist, you seek like-minded human companions in your field. Long hours spent working, often alone, the artist as an animal can become misunderstood, detached and suspicious.
De Ruvo paints these animals with blueish grey tones throughout this series, colours that traditionally signify a sense of detachment. The eyes of the animals avert their gaze, an existence in the shadows, their loyal companionship.
Lit with blue hues, de Ruvo invites you to accompany her into the space and position the viewer as the artist, working in solace into the night.
Julia de Ruvo promises she does not bite.
Guts Gallery is participating in East London Gallery Tour and will also be open on the below dates:
Friday 11th 11-8pm
Saturday 12th 11-6pm
Sunday 13th 11-6pm
Audio Press Release
