9005 – Solo Exhibition by Othello De’Souza-Hartley

For his solo exhibition at Bomb Factory Art Foundation conceptual artist Othello De'Souza-Hartley has teamed up with architect Laura Büchi and sound artist Elliott Buchanan who share his interest in the inter-dependencies of mind and body, inner peace and external structures.

De'Souza-Hartley examines the human body and its imperfections by drawing parallels between skin tones and textures and architectural structures, in particular the subtle variations evident in cast concrete. Working exclusively in black he creates tension by contrasting smooth surfaces with thick crusts of paint and integrating discarded objects and building materials into large scale paintings.

The exhibition title refers to the code number for pure black, according to a colour chart dating back to 1920s Germany which is still used as standard by architects and designers today. The body of work in 9005 questions the pursuit of perfection and the hierarchy of materials, reflecting the artist's belief that art transcends notions of division or rank.

A tranquil composition of structural, material and sonic elements complements the large scale paintings surrounding it. Blacking out the external distractions of city life, the collaborative sculpture provides a tranquil sanctuary for introversion and contemplation.