Ian Francis' hyper-intelligent, multi-layered, work is intricate in form and content. It's effortlessly uncomfortable whilst at the same time dramatically appealing; seemingly parochial yet peppered with pan-national references. Figures in intimate situations are illuminated by far-reaching backdrops. Mainstream motifs play out complex, open-ended scenes made with the ultra-modern methods of graphic art pioneers Bill Sienkiewicz and Dave McKean.
Francis himself says his work is "about pornography and news reports from warzones rather than sex and death", echoing the atomized and hedonistic nature of modern everyday life. He has repeated that his work is "about celebrity", but equally it concerns a lack of it. However, for all this the human spirit cannot be dulled and remains a force; hope, pleasure, laughter and love remain. Ian Francis is one of several Lazarides artists originating from the West Country of England.
We're almost midway through Ian Francis' time here at Lazarides Rathbone and the show is still proving to be one of our most popular solo exhibitions yet. If you haven't managed to come and take a look for yourself make sure you plan a visit before the show closes on the 24th May.
Last night was the grand unveiling of Ian Francis' new solo exhibition, 10,000 Years From Now, with Lazarides Rathbone packed with fans, artists and friends welcoming the incredible new works to London. If you didn't manage to make it down make sure you check it out over the next few weeks, show closes on the 24th May.
It was all systems go at Lazarides Rathbone this week with Ian Francis' brand new solo exhibition arriving straight from Bristol and layout fully underway in preparation for the grand opening next Thursday evening.
Only 10 days left until The Minotaur opens at The Old Vic Tunnels and Lazarides artists are busy at work. Ian Francis' brand new canvases are underway in his Bristol studio and on their way to the gallery VERY soon.
A selection of originals and prints by Antony Micallef, Conor Harrington, Ian Francis, Jonathan Yeo, JR, Mode 2, Paul Insect, Stanley Donwood, Vhils and Zevs donned the walls of Lazarides' sister venture Post No Bills in Venice Beach, California. Those of us back in London at the launch of Boxi's new exhibition were certainly jealous of this candid affair. Luckily, there is never any shortage on the art/ fun metre at any event stamped with Lazarides approval.
