Kupfer, London
15 March - 18 April 2020
There is a plant in the Kalanchoe genus that reproduces in a very specific way: along the length of each leaf generates miniature versions of itself, plantlets capable of independently photosynthesising complete with little dangling roots, which will detach from their mother when disturbed. Common names for the Kalanchoe Daigremontianum include ‘Mother of Thousands’, ‘Devil’s Backbone’ and ‘Evil Genius’. These vernacular titles are symptomatic of both the success and vilification of this reproductive strategy, where a surplus of babies can be produced on demand, especially in times of threat or stress. The ‘Evil Genius’ has adapted its genes to completely bypass the seed-making and pollination processes in favour of externally producing embryonic versions of itself, asexually. These genetic carbon copies fall from their mother to take root in the ground below; any space that can be, will be, taken up and occupied, until the crowd transform from babies into vigorous adolescent competitors. Other notable plants in the Kalanchoe genus include Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, also known as ‘Widow’s-thrill’, and Kalanchoe tubiflora, also known as ‘Mother of Millions’.
Broadcast media has been transformed beyond recognition by new co-authored spaces of digital networking and newsfeeds. The press interview, however, remains the format for significant political or economic events that call for a verbal or physical witness; a voice emerging from a mouth or a visual surrogate for what is not said, but might be... a politically muted medium. Often implicit within these moments is the paradox of the desire for privacy countered with the collective catharsis of self- exposure.
For Joey Bryniarska’s solo show ‘Evil Genus’ at Kupfer, the artist will be showing work focussing on specific moments of (unwilling) public exposure. Appropriating screen shots of press interviews (Yulia Skripal and Prince Andrew), these are cut and reconstituted as gridded silver gelatin prints toned in Miraclegro fertiliser, alongside blocks of unexpanded coir compost: visual manifestations of mediums of growth and dissemination, yet with no intrinsic nutritional value, in and of themselves. An ‘Evil Genius’ plant remains in a perpetual digital loop of gallery publicity documentation.
Evil Genus (installation), Kupfer
2020
Digital gif, silver gelatin prints toned in Miraclegro, archival polyester preservation pockets, 5kg coir compost blocks (each to make 50 litres), 100 litre polythene bin bags, coir compost soil, polythene sheeting.
dimensions variable
All Images Copyright Damien Griffiths
Mute Unmute (Fluorescent Daylight) (on right)
Shown in the exhibition Serpent & Shadow curated by Martin Westwood, Weston Studios, Royal Academy, London, 2018
© Andy Keate
2018
Turmeric gelatin print on Ilford Multigrade MG art 300 paper, framed
80 x 60cm
Edition of 2, plus 1 artist’s proof
Shown in the exhibition Serpent & Shadow, Weston Studios, Royal Academy, London, 2018
2018
Wine gelatin print on Ilford Multigrade MG art 300 paper, framed
31 x 23cm
Edition of 2, plus 1 artist’s proof
Mute Unmute (Fluorescent Daylight) on left
Shown in the exhibition Serpent & Shadow, Weston Studios, Royal Academy, London, 2018
© Andy Keate
Mute Unmute (Yulia Skripal) (on right)
Shown in the exhibition Serpent & Shadow curated by Martin Westwood, Weston Studios, Royal Academy, London, 2018
© Andy Keate
Installation at Marres, House for Culture, Maastricht. Work in collaboration with Martin Westwood, shown as part of 'Materiality of the Invisible', 2017
(Image Copyright: Werner Mantz Lab)
(Image Copyright: the artists)
(Image Copyright: Werner Mantz Lab)
(Image Copyright: the artists)
(Image Copyright: the artists)
(Image Copyright: the artists)
(Image Copyright: the artists)
video still of four channel video
(Image Copyright: the artists)
video still of four channel video
(Image Copyright: the artists)
video still of four channel video
(Image Copyright: the artists)
Him of the Hum, Him of the Ham
Postbox Gallery, 2012
Him of the Hum, Him of the Ham
Postbox Gallery, 2012
Him of the Hum, Him of the Ham
Postbox Gallery, 2012
