M+B is pleased to present Blistered, an exhibition of new works by Lorena Levi. This is the artist’s first solo show with the gallery. The exhibition opens on Wednesday, November 15 at Casa MB in Milan, with an opening reception from 7 to 9 pm.
Lorena Levi's exhibition Blistered takes viewers on a journey into the complexities of family dynamics and social satire. For her paintings on wood panels Levi draws from memories, imagination, and stories from those close to her. The focal point of her work revolves around the universal experience of family vacations, where tensions rise in the midst of picturesque landscapes and relaxation. Levi skillfully captures the multifaceted relationships that come to the forefront during these trips, revealing every side of a person, a phenomenon often overlooked. Levi injects her work with humor, creating a balance between comedy and deeper narratives that invite the audience to construct their own interpretations.
Through her choice of titles, like He Snores Too Much, she taps into personal memories, such as a father banished to a balcony during a family vacation because his snoring is disturbing the entire family’s night of sleep, highlighting the tensions that can arise in close quarters. While My baby explores transitional moments in family life, like the anticipation of a new sibling, which alters the family unit as they know it. As her works transition from childhood memories to the present day in Photographic intruder of peaceful, earthly delights, Levi reflects on the intrusion of parental photography and their desire to capture fleeting moments as children get older, emphasizing the nostalgia associated with family holidays. In Çaygi, Levi captures the essence of two cultures, Turkish-Jewish, both deeply committed to the ideals of family and togetherness, as revealed in the spirited conversation in the work. Amidst familial obligations, the artist shows the bond that transcends frustration, embodied in the Turkish tradition of sharing tea (known as "çay") after a meal—an act that simultaneously relieves and builds familial trepidation.
Shiva is an amalgamation of real and imagined figures, grounded in the Jewish tradition of sitting Shiva after a funeral in Turkey. It emerges as a poignant moment, woven together from disjointed childhood memories, capturing a child's innocence in the face of death. Within this composition, a young girl stands in the foreground, cherishing the warmth of being surrounded by loved ones, while simultaneously unveiling the intricate dynamics that play out during moments of tension between relatives and amidst the grieving process. Levi's skillful portrayal of these characters extends beyond the surface, delving into the intricacies of familial relationships. The tensions that arise during this gathering are palpable, reflecting the artist's own experiences within her extended family. It's a vivid illustration of how, even in times of mourning, families can be marked by underlying tensions, arguments, and unresolved issues.
Ultimately, Blistered explores the intricate layers of family relationships, the impact of partners entering the family fold, and the fragile equilibrium that can either bring people closer together or push them further apart.
Lorena Levi (b. 1997) received her MA in Fine Art from Edinburgh College of Art. Recent solo exhibitions include MAXXED at MAMA Gallery, London, UK; The in between at The Sidings, London; and Would give zero stars if I could with The Alchemy Experiment, Glasgow, UK. In 2021, Levi was awarded the Astair Prize, followed by the Jackson’s Painting Prize in 2022 and the NHS Lothian Tonic Arts Purchase Award in 2023. Levi has been featured in Bloomberg New Contemporaries at the South London Gallery as well as the Royal Scottish Academy New Contemporaries in Edinburgh. Her work has been acquired by the UK Government Art Collection. Lorena Levi lives and works in London, UK.