LESS MEDIA, MORE SOCIAL
Espen Cook: a reading from the Curator / Friend / Nemesis
Writing about the work of Espen Cook seems redundant. He doesn’t prescribe to over intellectualised aspects of the artworld and his pieces don’t need contextualising to be understood. His paintings are raw, stylistic and unapologetic; fully engaged with contemporary dilemmas.
The exhibition LESS MEDIA, MORE SOCIAL at 宀 Gallery features a series of paintings inspired by Espen’s Instagram stories. Two years ago, he began exploring social media as a medium. He experimented with overlaying text on photography, some of the works addressing originality and artistic identity, others playing with club culture and vulgarity. Themes and styles would vary; however, the sheer quantity of consistent content made a bold statement in itself. If you followed him, the name ESPEN COOK would flash on your phone screen whenever a social media app opened. His non-sensical Facebook updates became a form of advertising that was both satirical and effective.
Espen transfers his ideas into paintings by selecting key slogans, then overlaying them on top of textured white backgrounds. His painting style is rough and lucid. His aesthetic is minimal and mature. The blank space he creates is never really blank. Energetic layering and an occasional use of collage act as a backdrop to his thoughts. Much like the pages on our screens, emptiness is never really empty but instead a space waiting to be filled.
Espen’s words have a tint of Basquiat’s tone. The style has been described as oracular or childlike. However, I prefer to think of it as deeply honest and true to inner thoughts, without editing or refinement. Words are sometimes crossed out, misspelled or written over. Hints of personal experience slip through.
“CAME WITH A BROKEN TOOTH AND LEFT WITH A BROKEN HEART”
“ESPEN COOK IS A FRAUD”
“ESPEN COOK IS DEAD”
These statements almost feel like catchphrases. Short and to the point, they may be controversial but are also brutally self-aware of the artists ego. Espen is a mimic of the shock factor and utilizes persona in his work, but he doesn’t fain an agenda and remains true to a hands-on creative process. I have never met anyone who makes as much work as Espen Cook. He is relentless, never stopping or over-thinking, always creating.
I can’t say I understood Espen’s work from the moment we met. We jokingly called each other “nemesis” in the early days as party acquaintances, and we both know there was a hint of truth behind our words. We have opposite styles, opinions and approaches. It’s undeniable artists always have an underlying voice of jealousy when it comes to judging our peers, but over the years he has become a great source of inspiration. Espen doesn’t wait for permission. He claims his own position and he never pretends to be something he’s not. He has no extravagant hypothesis about art, the universe and everything else. There is no deeper meaning, only authentic expression.
Laura Zhang
Curator / Artist
LESS MEDIA, MORE SOCIAL - an exhibition by Espen Cook
Opening: Wednesday 6 March 2019
Exhibition will be on view during special events or by appointment only until 4 May.
For more info contact gallery@mihn.hk
Media Contact: Laura Zhang | laura@mihn.hk | +852 9816 6440
宀 Gallery: 4/F, 279 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong