Studio Leigh, a new London-based ‘commissioning and exhibiting platform’, has recently launched in Shoreditch. Pictured above: I’m not crying because it hurts. I’m crying because I love you, by Elias Hansen and Blake Hudson, 2015
Studio Leigh is a retail platform somewhere between art and design. The project concept, developed by Tayah Leigh Barrs, who has worked for Mario Testino, features 28 emerging artists who were asked by the bold developer to come up with something useful; and when and where possible, produced with the help of British craft workers, including glassblowers, seamstresses, wood and metal workers, and foundries.
The results are now on display at Studio Leigh’s permanent space, a 19th century former varnishing workshop in Shoreditch. Works in its opening salvo include: Nicholas Hatfull’s Enzo Mari-inspired giant puzzle; Aaron Angell’s rowing boat-cum-cat tomb; Nicolas Deshayes’ body organ-ish radiators; and Florence Peake’s mirrored massage-ball wall. Some of the pieces have tie-in films and animations and, in a couple of cases, scents. Leigh Barrs is planning to show new works of a similar intent every six weeks.
Studio Leigh
4 Garden Walk, London, EC2A 3EQ
The Fashion Plate Magazine 