Compare and Contrast at The Hanbury Arms

25 artists, one brief – Compare and Contrast is an eclectic mix of practitioners brought together for a group exhibition hosted in a fantastic pub setting.

Compare and Contrast sees fine artists, printmakers, film-makers, illustrators and graphic designers combine to create a hugely diverse and exciting exhibition. The range of different approaches, outcomes and mediums that have sprung from the open brief are set out across the two floors of The Hanbury Arms. With unorthodox venues for art shows on the rise, it is no surprise to see an Islington pub take on the eclectic show.

Unorthodox does however comes with its drawbacks. The works are displayed around the pub whilst the pub remains a functioning boozer, slightly awkward when peering over somebody’s table to get a closer look at some of the more detailed pieces on show. This minor detail can of course be overlooked as with so many bold and interesting pieces of work lining the walls, what’s a little ice-breaker moment between strangers.

With 25 artists exhibiting in the show it is rich pickings no matter what your personal taste and style. Some of our personal favourites were works by illustrators Sam Harris and Mark “Pighammer” Coates, film maker Julio Dean, graphic designer Yann Brian and all round creative Thumbcrumble. Organised and curated by artist and typographer Mr Gresty – who also features in the show – the aim of Compare and Contrast is to showcase a wider medium as art and to show the general public the world beyond paint on canvas. With such a great bunch of artists, Mr Gresty has definitely managed to achieve his goal.

Sam Harris’ London Pigeons showed off an all-together unique style that encapsulates whimsy, technical skill and a wonderful sense of taste and style. Mark Coates brought his usual style and flare with his original illustration, creating a bold monochromatic piece which was striking even at a distance. Another bold piece came from graphic designer Yann Brian whose interpretation of colour and shape made for a beautiful and raw solution to the brief. Thumbcrumbles‘ piece also played on shape and colour as he crafted paper shapes and housed them within an aesthetically pleasing and complex composition behind glass. One of the most monumental pieces of work belonged to artist and film-maker Julio Dean. His film that played on a loop in the upstairs of the exhibition was a beautiful and explorative study of Compare and Contrast addressing different themes and ideas within. The standard of work in the show is superb and there is most definitely something for everyone. All topped off with some great music from Mikkelsen and DJ John Hill.

The Hanbury Arms itself is one of the best pubs we have been to in a long time. The relaxed atmosphere promotes exactly how a pub should be run. There is no sense of elitism or selectivity here, people from all different walks of life and of all ages are welcome and can be seen enjoying themselves. Boasting its own pizza oven situated at the centre, the food is incredible and rustic. The pub has an extensive menu with exciting specials and great deals all at low prices and high quality. To top it all off the bar staff are welcoming and friendly and are having as much fun as the customers, which makes for a great atmosphere to relax, dine and enjoy company in.

Artists showing include Lisa Bodland-Fielding, Clare Halifax, Esther McManus, Tom Camp, Yann Brien, Benji Davis, Fran Marchesi, Dannielle Hodson, This Girl Can Draw, ThumbCrumble, Nathan Gotlib, VJ Von Art, Chris Hood, David Moscati, Paul Wright, Mark Hayward, Claire E Hind, Stu Ross, Behrad, Mr Gresty, Egle Vesk, Nathan James Page, Elliott Quince, Sam Harris, Julio Dean, Mark “Pigghammer” Coates.

Ruth Page

Compare and Contrast is at the Hanbury Arms until 29^th November 2012. For further information visit the exhibition’s Facebook page here.

For further information on The Hanbury Arms including upcoming events visit the gallery’s website here.