On my walk down Cork Street I also came across Holtermann Fine Art who were showcasing the work of African-American artist Nick Cave. It was so good to see Nick Cave's works on display in a gallery show in London again following his inclusion in last year's triumphal In the Black Fantastic exhibition at the Hayward Gallery (here). Sadly this small show contains none of Cave's colourful, lively, signature Soundsuits but has enough to justify the gallery's decision to exhibit him during Frieze week. Commanding the small gallery space is his sculpture Chain Reaction, which consists of a series of interlocking forearms and fists in black created from resin casts of the artist's own body which form a chain. This piece could be read as connection, or people helping each other, or alternatively as the chains of bondage or enslavement The colourful vortex of the wall-mounted piece Tondo, is apparently a metaphor for the current global environmental and social crises and reminiscent of Damien Hirst Spin Painting with its texture and sense of movement. The last piece on display here, the floral Arm Peace, was perhaps my favourite. Unashamedly decorative, and perhaps very sentimental, it is described as a meditation on defiance and remembrance. Cave's work deserves a bigger audience in this country and this show may go some way to amplifying his presence in this country's art scene.
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