This exhibition delves into the raw and introspective world of Stephen (Stefano) Ives, a seasoned sculptor grappling with the complexities of aging, desire, and the ever-present shadow of mortality. Through a captivating blend of bricolaged plastics, toys, and found objects Stefano embarks on a personal odyssey, exploring a lifetime of captivation with the female form.
The artworks pulsate with a tension between youth and decline, this interplay embodies the artist’s struggle with fading desire and the fleeting nature of beauty.
The exhibition is a dialogue between contrasting feminine archetypes: the crazed beauty of youth (The Virgin) versus the aging crone (Death) hint at a darker side of desire. This duality challenges the audience to confront the multifaceted nature of femininity (The Muse) and its impact on the artist’s life.
Throughout the exhibition, skeletal forms and haunting imagery weave a sombre counterpoint to the sensuality. This macabre dance underscores the urgency of the artist’s self-examination and the desire to leave a lasting mark before time claims him.
Chained to an Idiot promises a deeply personal and thought-provoking journey. Stefano Ives invites viewers to confront their own mortality and grapple with the ever-shifting desires that shape our relationship with the female form as we age.
Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 12pm – 7pm, Saturdays: 12pm – 4pm
Admission: Free
Image caption: Spiritus Mundi, Stephen (Stefano) Ives, bricolage mixed media sculpture of plastics and metal, 90 x 90cm
