Adam Wiseman is a Mexican photographer whose distinctive artistic career has been marked by his relationship to photojournalism.
In the exhibition Wiseman has coined the term “free architecture” to describe Mexico´s rural houses which are self-built structures with little or no regulation; architecture built by non-architects. Peppering the rural landscape and urban working-class neighbourhoods, these buildings tend to reflect the aspirations of their builders. Many times these are financed over time by undocumented immigrants living and working in the US and are inspired by their new surroundings, inspired by American suburbia, Hollywood movies or Disney fantasies. They include castles with minimalist Japanese interiors, Swiss chalets with neo-classical accents. This architectural landscape shines a spotlight on a country that is not part of the cultural clichés of yesteryear. It is a culture in constant flux, defined by the pressures of globalization.
For his exhibition at Chalton Gallery, Wiseman has installed the work to reference the window display of a typical British estate agent. Images of houses and apartments are substituted for the fantastical homes of the Mexican countryside. Sited in a Central London neighbourhood that is currently experiencing the impact of a massive regenerative effort, the work sets up a framework to explore questions of displacement, replacement, and de-territorialization within a globalized capitalist economy.
When?
7-22 of September
Private view: Thursday 6 of September
Where?
96 Chalton Street
London,
NW1 1HJ
Website:
http://www.chaltongallery.org/index.php/current-exhibitions/item/150-adam-wiseman-free-architecture