Olek exhibition at Tony’s Gallery
As soon as I saw photos from Olek’s crocheted room at Tony’s Gallery in East London, I knew this was something not to miss. This is the New York basked artist’s the first UK solo show, for which she has covered walls, floor, furniture and household items in neon crochet. The result is immersive, awe-inspiring, quirky and humorous.
So overwhelming is the experience of entering the room that it takes a while to notice that the room is also filled with subversive objects and messages, including explicit text messages from the artist’s past relationships. The notion of stepping into a stranger’s intimate life and overpowering neon cause a sense of unease that slowly transforms the cosy, cushioned space into something more menacing.
If you’d like to see the room for yourself, you’ll have to be quick. The show closes on the evening of Saturday 24 March with a blacklight party!
Tony’s Gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am – 7pm at 68 Sclater Street, London, E1 6HR, near Shoreditch High Street station.
