Realms, curated by Gemma Rolls-Bentley

29 Sep-10 Nov 2024

Overview

Carl Freedman Gallery is proud to present ‘Realms’, a powerful and thought-provoking group exhibition created in collaboration with Gemma Rolls-Bentley. ‘Realms’ invites you to journey beyond the confines of our reality to explore hidden stories and secret worlds envisioned by a group of nine international artists.

Artists: April Bey, TM Davy, Laura Footes, Leasho Johnson, Tali Lennox, Kris Lock, Jessie Makinson, Emma Steinkraus and Georg Wilson

Within these realms, new possibilities for life, love, liberation, and joy flourish, transcending the limitations of our current society. Through large scale paintings and installation, each artist reveals their unique vision of alternative realities. Whether rooted in reality and memory, or taking myth and folklore as a starting point, these artists’ journeys are united by boundless imagination and hopeful potential. From abundant landscapes to enchanted narratives the show offers glimpses into different dimensions where the barriers of conventionality fade away, and the spirit of exploration reigns supreme.

“We seem to constantly be facing new challenges in our world today, with the most vulnerable in our communities experiencing hardship and discrimination, which ultimately affects everyone. I strongly believe that artists possess the power to help us navigate difficult times by creating space for us to consider different perspectives. The nine artists that I’ve brought together for Realms offer new worlds for us to explore that are full of optimism and liberation. My hope is that by exploring their worlds we can bring some of that magical energy back to this world as we work together to try and make it a better place for everyone.”
– Gemma Rolls-Bentley (Guest Curator)

Artwork credit: Kris Lock (2024)

About the Curator

Gemma Rolls-Bentley has been at the forefront of contemporary art for almost two decades, working passionately to champion diversity in the field. She is the author of ‘Queer Art; From Canvas to Club and the Spaces Between’ published by Frances Lincoln in Spring 2024. Gemma has curated for a range of international institutions, most recently the Leslie Lohman Museum of Art, Somerset House, the Tom of Finland Foundation, London Art Fair and Kkweer Arts. In 2022 she curated the Brighton Beacon Collection, the largest permanent display of queer art in the UK, for Soho House Brighton. Gemma has taught at numerous institutions including the Royal College of Art, the Glasgow School of Art, and Goldsmiths, she co-chairs the board of trustees for the charity Queercircle, and sits on the Courtauld Association Committee.