Jake Vanden Berge Reflects on the Fragility of Memory in His First UK Solo Show

Jake Vanden Berge Reflects on the Fragility of Memory in His First UK Solo Show

As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for art, I find myself captivated by Jake Vanden Berge‘s latest exhibition at London’s lbf contemporary. Having grown up amidst the vibrant sprawl of Los Angeles, his work resonates deeply with my own experiences of navigating through urban landscapes. His paintings, a blend of art history and modern interpretation, are like echoes from a shared memory bank, stirring emotions that are at once familiar and tantalizingly elusive.


Artistic talent Jake Vanden Berge, based in Los Angeles, is displaying a fresh solo exhibition titled “I Made My Bed of Flowers And Now I Have to Step In It” at lbf contemporary in London. This is his initial UK presentation, offering an array of new paintings that draw upon his childhood memories from the Whittier suburb of Los Angeles, while also delving into the foundations of art history. His works provide a contemporary take on memory and nostalgia by contrasting them with historical art canons.

Vanden Berge frequently creates thought-provoking artwork by combining oil and inkjet on canvas, often featuring eerie split-cell compositions. These include close-ups of a woman’s lips and a tranquil field of tulips, contrasted with more intense images such as an alert Doberman poised to attack. Deliberately, he aims to create tension between seemingly unrelated imagery, inviting viewers to reconsider the familiar sights that surround us daily.

Among the six fresh paintings and an innovative audio piece, Vanden Berge re-imagines William Etty’s suggestive work, “Nymph and Satyr” (1828), infusing modern perspectives through feminine undertones and lush, floral backgrounds. According to lbf, “Vanden Berge’s artworks capture the tranquil elegance of ordinary instances,” provoking viewers to ponder on the delicacy of recollections and the profound impact of individual experiences.

The artwork titled “I Made My Bed of Flowers and Now I Must Tread Upon It” will be displayed in London until December 14, 2024.

lbf contemporary
13 Tottenham Mews,
London W1T 4AQ

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2024-11-20 03:26