Ian Davenport's latest exhibition, featuring his largest wall-to-floor installation ever, showcases two massive paintings, Lake 1 and Lake 2. These artworks, filled with flowing lines of poured paint, dominate the gallery space. Developed over months in his Peckham studio, these installations represent a natural evolution of his work. Davenport has been progressively working on larger scales in recent years, including a 14-meter painting for the Venice Biennale in 2017 and a site-specific installation in Rome in 2022.

In this London exhibition, Davenport explores themes of scale and color, allowing the paint to become more sculptural as it interacts with gravity and the gallery floor. His unconventional methods, like using syringes and watering cans, have been a hallmark of his three-decade-long career. The poured lines in his recent works create a sense of symmetry and an optical effect reminiscent of a colorful tide.

Davenport's color choices are inspired by diverse sources, from medieval stained glass to Saturday morning cartoons. This exhibition at Waddington Custot marks his tenth show with the gallery since his debut in 1990, after graduating from Goldsmiths as part of the YBA generation. Additionally, a selection of his works will be exhibited at the Burton Art Gallery and Museum in Bideford, Devon, offering a broader view of his artistic journey.

It's truly remarkable to witness Davenport's artistic evolution over the years, and we’re excited to experience his latest creations in Waddington Custot’s show. His ability to push the boundaries of traditional painting techniques never ceases to amaze us, and we’re eager to explore the intriguing interplay of color and scale in his work.

On view 6 Oct - 11 Nov 2023

Waddington Custot

11 Cork Street
London W1S 3LT

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