Fresh from LA, this new exhibition full of myths and monsters brings together two art legends; Rankin and Damien Hirst. The iconic artists have long been friends, and this collaboration allows for the duo to blend both their respective creative mediums and shared fascination with ancient mythology. ‘Myths, Monsters and Legends’ presents a series of imagined narratives, inspired by the legends of the past but executed with a thoroughly modern perspective. Bringing the inspiration to life is supermodel and muse Dani Smith, who poses with skulls and snakes for hair for the collection.
This exhibition has been displayed at Rankin’s LA gallery for the past week, but this week moves to the North London space, The Annroy Gallery. Both artist and photographer have shaped contemporary art and culture for the past 20 years; Damien Hirst becoming the very symbol of ‘Britart’ and the subject of much debate and controversy in the industry, and Rankin earning the reputation of one of our generations most influential photographers due to his iconic and personal portraits, and as the co-founder of Dazed & Confused magazine.
The two artists have been pushing boundaries and buttons for their entire life’s work, yet for their first collaborative project, it is the past they have chosen to look to for inspiration. Rankin states of the project; “I have a fascination with fantasy and reality, and bringing the two together… That’s what photography is”.
‘Myths, Monsters and Legends’ is an extraordinary pairing of two of the greatest creative forces working today. This exciting new take on the iconic mythical creatures of Rome and Greece combines an appreciation for the surreal, as well as achedemia and high art. An accompanying publication of the same title will also be available during the exhibition in London this October.
Myths, Monsters, and Legends – Rankin and Damien Hirst is showing at the Annroy Gallery, 110-114 Grafton Road, London from 21st Oct to 11th Nov
words Charlotte Davey
