‘Once in a generation an artist arrives on the scene who challenges our deepest held beliefs, pushes the boundaries of our understanding of what art can be, and immediately cements their place in the cannon of Art History. Alma Singer is not that artist. She is however, one of our very favourite artists, and her work aways makes us smile, and reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously. We’re huge fans and collectors of Alma’s and are grateful to Andipa Gallery for letting us introduce her to a wider audience.’

The Connor Brothers

 

The energising exhibition will be the contemporary artist’s first solo show in London. Alma Singer - a pseudonym for Kent-based artist Carla Nizzola – is used as an alias to shield Alma’s vulnerability when exhibiting her work. The pseudonym equips her with an alternative identity, empowering her to expose aspects of herself through her creations that are otherwise concealed. Immersed in the art world for over a decade, collector Carla Nizzola founded Extraordinary Objects gallery in 2021 which innovatively combines natural history with contemporary art.

 

A provocative poke at the art establishment and perception of ‘good art’ threads through Singer’s works to raise light-hearted questions about value and the meaning of contemporary art. ‘Genius’ is based on Damien Hirst’s infamous spot painting series; ‘Good Art’ accompanies an abstract figure rendered in Picasso’s painterly style; whilst ‘Masterpiece’ is emblazoned above a pink balloon dog to evoke Jeff Koons’ controversial creation.

 

Ranging from mischievous to moving, I Made This, Sorry It’s Rubbish features artworks from the fun and forthright ‘Shut Up and Kiss Me’ and ‘I Fucking Love You’ to a tender rendering of a rainbow trickling tear-like paint drops next to a delicately scrawled ‘Everything is going to be OK’. Witty words such as ‘Cool Story Bro’ are displayed alongside bold assertions that capture the relatable weariness of society, media and everyday life (‘The News - This Is Fucking Bullshit’ and ‘Fuck the Cistern’). Individually, the paintings are fun and irreverent, but viewed in their entirety as a body of work, consistent themes begin to emerge from the vibrant, satirical works which subtly pose more serious questions.