Art is the highest form of HOPE
HOPE exhibition
and catalogue by MTArt Agency
Asiko ìgbòkun
Did you know that engaging with creative activities can contribute towards reducing stress and depression? Recent studies have shown that seeing awe-inspiring art has a positive effect on the physical body and mental state.
At the start of the crisis, MTArt Agency and their artists united to inspire the community and show the importance of the arts. From a digital programme and to art on the screens in central London, to sending artists' works to collectors, supporters and friends, they wanted to offer a visual diet that helped you cope.
MTArt Agency exhibition ’HOPE’ (12th – 13th of September), takes place in Mayfair on South Molton Street, and will feature prominent agency artists including Claire Luxton, David Servan Schreiber, Lauren Baker, Saype, Asiko, Leo Caillard, and Delphine Diallo among others. Social distancing measures will be in place.
The online catalogue will be available online from the 12th of September and will be launched on the opening night of the popup gallery on 42 South Molton street.
Art must step in during difficult times
MTArt Agency embraces the new normal and invites Londoners to explore the essence of Gerard Richter’s topical quote ‘art is highest form hope’. Londoners will be able to (re)discover hope-infused art pieces offline at the exhibition, HOPE between the 12th and the 13th of September on 42 South Molton Street, W1, in a beautiful exhibition space recently launched by adaptative retail space company Sook, and online via the launch of the show’s digital catalogue full of beautiful essays. MTArt Agency has partnered with luxury candle and home fragrance brand, Diptyque to fill the gallery with a specially chosen fragrance, creating a multi-sensory experience that will allow guests to be fully immersed in hope, through both visuals and scent. Both the show and the catalogue are curated by art writer Mary Ahearn, featuring the special works from the following exceptional artists Claire Luxton, David Servan Schreiber, Lauren Baker, Saype, Asiko, Amber Vittoria, Andrea Tyrimos, Leo Caillard, and Delphine Diallo to evoke an aura of inspiration, positivity and unity in the heart of London.
The aim of this exhibition is to show works that inspire hope during times when the world needs it the most. Art inspired by the lockdown, but focused on connecting through new means, recognising the power of sharing experiences through art - the highest form of hope. Professor Semir Zeki, chair in neuroaesthetics at University College London, had conducted extensive research showing the impact of art: “We wanted to see what happens in the brain when you look at beautiful paintings.” The experiment concluded that when you look at art “whether it is a landscape, a still life, an abstract or a portrait – there is strong activity in that part of the brain related to pleasure.” and found their blood flow increased in a certain part of the brain by as much as 10%, which is the equivalent to gazing at a loved one.
“Art is often seen as a superfluous, highfalutin medium, but during hard times, it’s crucial.”
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