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Tube Gallery

Art Düsseldorf

Germany

April 11·13, 2025

Art Düsseldorf
Tube Gallery

11-13 April 2025

Tube Gallery is delighted to announce our participation in the upcoming art fair, Art Düsseldorf, taking place from April 11 to April 15, 2025. We will be part of the curatorial program, Tales of Transformation, and will showcase the works of British artist Lydia Blakeley.

Curated by Linda Peitz, the Tales of Transformation section features a selection of eight galleries presenting individual exhibitions by artists whose practices and artworks explore themes of the environment—its beauty, brutality, and mysticism.

In light of the recent LA wildfires and their tragic consequences, this theme feels more relevant than ever. As curator Linda Peitz remarks:

“Today, it is not just about utilizing the environment but embracing our responsibility to protect it, engage with it thoughtfully, and contribute to transformation processes toward a climate-neutral society.”

We look forward to being part of this significant conversation and sharing Lydia Blakeley’s compelling works.

 
Art dusseldorf

The work

The painting Prosperous is a dazzling view of a secret garden somewhere in the American West. A drought-resistant garden, species thrive together from small succulent variations, fleshy leaved agave to statuesque cacti, surrounded by rocks and boulders which anchor the garden, baking in the warmth of a midday sun. The dry garden has been cultivated over more than half a century, the specimens adapting to different conditions. Nestled in the garden, a bungalow, it could be a private home or a holiday let, an environment that invites a fantasy of seclusion and nurturing.

unnamed

LYDIA BLAKELEY
Prosperous

Photo credit: Damien Griffiths

The artist

Lydia Blakeley’s paintings draw inspiration from the world around her, translating everyday observations into striking works of art. Her process often begins with images captured on her smartphone or laptop, which are then reinterpreted through the medium of paint. At their core, her works explore the concept of aspiration—how we present idealized versions of ourselves and our lives, particularly on platforms like Instagram. Blakeley’s subject matter ranges from picturesque holiday scenes and mid-century modern interiors to trendy food, streetwear, and the elite world of show pets.

Her work reflects the curated self-presentation that defines contemporary culture. Social media often promotes images that appear authentic but are carefully crafted to align with trends, showcasing status or desirability. Through painting, Blakeley slows down this fast-paced phenomenon, freezing fleeting memes and aspirational moments, offering viewers a chance to reflect on the visual overload of modern life.

Blakeley’s technique involves tightly cropped compositions, beginning with a pink underpainting followed by chalk pastel sketches, washes of color, and detailed refinements. This consistent process results in a polished, even surface and a detached, deadpan gaze that mirrors her commentary on aspirational culture.

Since completing her MFA at Goldsmiths in 2019, Blakeley’s career has soared. She has exhibited in group and solo shows at commercial galleries and institutions, including her first major institutional group show at the Hayward Gallery (curated by Ralph Rugoff) in 2021 and a solo exhibition at Southwark Park Galleries in 2022. Recent highlights include Present Tense at Hauser & Wirth and her solo show, Hold on for Dear Life, at Niru Ratnam Gallery in October.