Post-modern London based artist Olga Lomaka solo exhibition debut of “Aliens,” an otherworldly collection comprising over twenty unique sculptural works by the artist. The exhibition runs until October the 15th at the renowned Zari Gallery. ‘Aliens’ offers visitors an “art journey to reflect on themes of the human condition and experience, encompassing consumerism, human desire, collective unconsciousness, and more, within the context of contemporary popular culture,” according to Lomaka.
Inspired by the concept of extraterrestrial visits to Earth, Lomaka reimagines the conventional portrayal of aliens as distinctly dissimilar. Instead, her artworks reveal a striking parallel between these beings and our own human experiences, embodied through two contrasting states – the frenzied act of screaming and the tranquil practice of meditation.
“I see screaming and meditation as the two most vivid articulations of contemporary society. Both distinctly linked to our most sacred desires, which we believe to be true.
Olga Lomaka
Yet, something we are obsessed with – articulated through screaming – never leads us to the true self. Only in silence and meditation, through dreaming, can we reveal who we really are.”
“Aliens” thrives on a dual juxtaposition, with the first interplay unfolding between the unfamiliar alien realm and the familiar human world. Alien forms are juxtaposed against human desires, finding reflection in their eyes – windows to our modern fixations such as money, love, brands, conflicts, politics, substances, and technology. The monochromatic, fluid structure of the aliens stands in stark contrast to the vibrant, bold logos of brands, flags, and contemporary cultural memes.
The second interplay hinges on the contrast between the sculptures’ two poses: the scream and meditation. Rooted in Western culture throughout the 20th century, the scream is epitomised by Edvard Munch’s iconic “The Scream” (1893), while meditation gained prominence through the propagation of new age philosophy. These postures are entwined with our collective imagination, embodying both a longing to transcend the tangible world and a yearning to escape into the unknown.
Editor in Chief of Ikon London Magazine, journalist, film producer and founder of The DAFTA Film Awards (The DAFTAs).
