Mike Ballard solo exhibition 17.01 – 28.02.2024
Curated by Thorp Stavri for Shtager & Shch gallery
“Shadow Ban,” the latest exhibition by artist Mike Ballard, invites viewers to embark on a mesmerizing journey through the intricate dynamics of visibility and invisibility within the contemporary urban landscape. While the term “shadow ban” typically connotes online censorship, Ballard transcends these digital confines, broadening its scope to encompass tangible spaces and concealed narratives within metropolitan environments.
Mike Ballard. Exhibition view, Shtager & Shch gallery. London, 2024
Ballard’s site-specific installation serves as a captivating exploration of the entropic nature of the city, shedding light on overlooked and underused spaces that mirror the muted voices and suppressed content found in online realms. Through a meticulous fusion of photography, adhesion, saturation, and abrasion, Ballard skillfully captures the subtle processes of negation, displacement, and corrosion inherent in both physical and digital dimensions.
Mike Ballard. Exhibition view, Shtager & Shch gallery. London, 2024
Drawing from a rich archive of materials and personal experiences, Ballard delves into the ethos of an unconventional artistic journey, deeply rooted in subcultures. The urban landscape comes alive in his work, revealing remnants, residue, and serendipitous layering of signs and symbols—whether through paints, varnish, stickers, advertisements, or instructions.
Mike Ballard. Exhibition view, Shtager & Shch gallery. London, 2024
Utilizing a diverse array of media, including painting, sculpture, video, and sound, “Shadow Ban” emerges as a profound exploration of the complex interplay between presence and absence. Ballard’s installation beckons audiences to contemplate the hidden narratives that shape our contemporary urban experience, inviting introspection and reflection.
Mike Ballard. Exhibition view, Shtager & Shch gallery. London, 2024
In summary, “Shadow Ban” stands as a testament to Mike Ballard’s artistic prowess and his ability to traverse the boundaries between the physical and digital realms. Through his evocative exploration of urban landscapes and hidden narratives, Ballard captivates viewers and encourages them to uncover the profound beauty within the shadows of our modern world.
Mike Ballard. Exhibition view, Shtager & Shch gallery. London, 2024
Mike Ballard. Exhibition view, Shtager & Shch gallery. London, 2024
Mike Ballard. Exhibition view, Shtager & Shch gallery. London, 2024
