In his first UK solo show American artist Joshua Goode will be paying tribute to Islington’s mystical past, creating a lost world of imagined artefacts at James Freeman Gallery in Islington.
Goode discovered that in Medieval times Islington and North London were considered to be an unknown wilderness where mythical beasts roamed freely, the notion romanticised through the telling of fairytales and folklore. Since 2012 Goode has been creating tongue and cheek fables about the area including his own tale of a legendary flood at the James Freeman Gallery that brought with it Aurora-Rhoman period London artefacts, including a replica 7000-year-old carved mammoth tusk.
Alongside Goode’s artefacts that came with the imagined flood, the artist recreates the mystical beasts and peoples that would have roamed North London adding to them an American twist. The Restored POG Chainmailemulates a traditional warriors battle suit but is composed entirely of the popular 1990’s POG caps and the beautiful golden Horse Head Armour with Carved Mammoth Baby Tuskis a medley of baseball cards and Simpson calendars.
Live interactive excavating will take place every day from 12-1pm, and during this time visitors will be encouraged to help Goode sift through artefacts excavated from the depths of the gallery dating back to the imagined ancient Aurora-Rhoman civilisation. Guests of all ages are encouraged to join in the research by handling not so ancient artifacts in the gallery, “identifying” them and then adding their newly discovered treasures to the exhibition.
Goode says: “The pharaohs and kings of the past endeavoured to be remembered through their grand monuments, I also aim to create a lasting legacy through my work. I believe my work walks the fine line between complete absurdity and seriousness, people always question if they should laugh. I absolutely believe they should.”
James Freeman Gallery, 354 Upper Street, Islington London N1 0PD
Closest tube station: Angel
The exhibition is free to attend and all ages are welcome.
Opening reception on Wednesday 27 June 6.30-8.30pm. To attend please RSVP at rsvp@damsonpr.com.
More info: jamesfreemangallery.com
Joshua Goode, Fighting Mammoths, Carved Mammoth Tusk (Copyright Teresa Rafidi )
Joshua Goode Horse Head Armor with Carved Baby Mammoth Tusk Bridle (Copyright Teresa Rafidi)
Joshua Goode POG Armor
