Last Friday, I had the pleasure of meeting the incredibly talented artist Bobbi Essers at a pre-dinner event for Women in Arts, hosted by the Mumble Forum. Essers captivated the room with her insightful reflections on friendship and the complexities of human relationships—themes that permeate her stunning works. For those eager to experience her unique vision, Essers will be exhibiting at Unit Gallery for the next two months. If you're an admirer of contemporary art, now is the time to visit and immerse yourself in her world. Don't miss this rare opportunity to witness her profound artistry up close.
The World at Our Command: A Glimpse into the Intimacy of Platonic Relationships
Bobbi Essers, a contemporary artist known for her fragmented compositions and exploration of platonic intimacy, has once again captured the essence of deep connections through her latest exhibition, The World at Our Command. Essers' works are characterised by her innovative use of surrealist photomontage techniques, layering candid images of her friends into sprawling, life-sized canvases. These overlapping bodies, limbs, and accessories, taken from her personal gallery, blend into one another, offering a dreamlike portrayal of friendships and shared experiences.
In a world increasingly dominated by digital facades and social media performances, Essers' art stands out for its authenticity and raw emotional depth. Her paintings, monumental in scale and complexity, challenge traditional gender identities by omitting the heads of her subjects and intertwining their bodies. This lack of clear distinction between her characters creates an ethereal representation of how memories and moments merge in our minds. As the artist herself states, “My work is more about friendship itself than who the friends are,” a sentiment that echoes through each brushstroke.
Essers' brilliance lies in her ability to blur the lines between objectivity and personal perception. By extracting moments from her photo gallery and weaving them together into a single canvas, she masterfully constructs a narrative of shared memories that captures the viewers' imagination. Each figure, although fractured, is intricately connected, reflecting the fluid and often inconsistent nature of relationships. Her works evoke a sense of voyeurism, allowing the audience to witness unguarded moments of tenderness and vulnerability between friends.
At the core of Essers' exhibition is a maturity that reflects her evolution as a portrait artist. While working from objective sources, such as candid photographs, she transcends mere documentation, instead using her compositions to explore the complexities of human interaction. Her protagonists, morphing seamlessly into one another, invite viewers into a surreal exploration of friendship—one that resonates universally, irrespective of age or background.
Born into a generation often absorbed by the superficiality of social media, Essers’ artwork is a poignant reminder of the magic and authenticity found in everyday life. The intimacy in her paintings serves as a tribute to those moments we often overlook—the shared laughs, adventures, and quiet gestures of affection that form the core of our deepest friendships.
Through The World at Our Command, Bobbi Essers invites us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the authentic experiences that define our relationships. Her work transcends mere visual storytelling, offering an immersive exploration into the fabric of friendship and the emotions that bind us all.
This powerful exhibition stands as a testament to Essers' ability to portray the depth and complexity of relationships, leaving an indelible mark on the contemporary art scene. The emotional resonance of her work will continue to captivate audiences, reminding us all of the importance of connection in an increasingly disconnected world.
The exhibition will be on view at Unit Gallery for the next two months. For collecting enquiries, please contact: collecting@unitlondon.com. For press enquiries, reach out to: press@unitlondon.com. Make sure to visit and witness this extraordinary celebration of friendship and connection while you still can!
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