4/24/2016
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In London, “Refractive Vibes” Reflects on the Light-Filled Sculptures of Helidon Xhixha
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In London, “Refractive Vibes” Reflects on the LightFilled Sculptures of Helidon Xhixha
ARTSY
MAR 28TH, 2016 5:29 PM
Helidon Xhixha
Radiant Energy, 2014
Contini Art UK
Not for sale
Considering Helidon Xhixha’s growing reputation as a sculptor, it seems
an opportune time to consider how exactly he developed his innovative
approach. In London, Contini Art Gallery offers “Refractive Vibes,” a new
exhibition that looks at Xhixha’s body of work so far—a sort of midcareer
retrospective, if you will.
https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-in-london-refractive-vibes-reflects-on-the-light-filled-sculptures-of-helidon-xhixha
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4/24/2016
In London, “Refractive Vibes” Reflects on the Light-Filled Sculptures of Helidon Xhixha
Helidon Xhixha
Light Waves, 2015
Contini Art UK
Not for sale
From his workspaces in Milan and Dubai, the Albanian-born artist tends
to focus on form over function, which he pairs with a keen interest in how
materials interact with light. He fuses aspects of design and fine art,
resulting in works that are both visually stunning and structurally
compelling. In particular, his sculptures often play with the traditionally
smooth surface of stainless steel, distorting and fragmenting it to
illuminate the relationship between light and metal.
Helidon Xhixha
Capitello d'Acciaio, 2015
Contini Art UK
https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-in-london-refractive-vibes-reflects-on-the-light-filled-sculptures-of-helidon-xhixha
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4/24/2016
In London, “Refractive Vibes” Reflects on the Light-Filled Sculptures of Helidon Xhixha
Helidon Xhixha
Radiant Energy, 2014
Contini Art UK
Not for sale
Contini’s generously sized Mayfair gallery proves to be the perfect space to
showcase the often monumental scale of Xhixha’s work. Older and more
recent works are strategically placed next to one another to form visual
comparisons, creating a commentary on the evolution of his approach to
sculpting.
https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-in-london-refractive-vibes-reflects-on-the-light-filled-sculptures-of-helidon-xhixha
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4/24/2016
In London, “Refractive Vibes” Reflects on the Light-Filled Sculptures of Helidon Xhixha
Helidon Xhixha
Illumination , 2014
Contini Art UK
Not for sale
For instance, in the downstairs gallery space, a mirrored stainless steel
sculpture called Illumination (2014) sits next to Steel Wall (2008), a
darker, more classical work made of iron. The more recent piece shows
how Xhixha’s forward-thinking practice has flourished around the idea of
sculptures as abstract forms of pure light and reflection.
https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-in-london-refractive-vibes-reflects-on-the-light-filled-sculptures-of-helidon-xhixha
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4/24/2016
In London, “Refractive Vibes” Reflects on the Light-Filled Sculptures of Helidon Xhixha
Helidon Xhixha
Ocean Surface, 2016
Contini Art UK
Xhixha’s impressive CV—including public and private commissions across
the world as well as a popular contribution to the 2015 Venice Biennale—
is a testament to his status as an increasingly in-demand artist. This show
serves as a kind of formal introduction to London’s contemporary art
scene. In September of this year, Xhixha will showcase new work at the
first ever London Design Biennale—the next step in his already formidable
career.
—Lara Monro
“Helidon Xhixha: Refractive Vibes” is on view at Contini Art UK, London,
Mar. 16–May 31.
Follow Contini Art UK on Artsy.
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