Odox warmly invites you to the launch of SPLITS, a solo show by Bex Ilsley. Bex’s work explores the spaces between the reality and virtuality and between the ‘self’ and the ‘other’. Bex looks at online trends and oddities and seeks to parody them as a form of critique. Her work spans video, photography, performance,VR, installation and sculpture. SPLITS is a broad response to the pervasive pathologisation of specific forms of behaviour and thought. The artist aims to depict and dissect her experiences within community mental health services following a personality disorder diagnosis in 2018. The works themselves are the product of an artistic exploration of what it means to experience an ‘unstable sense of self’ – at both a personal and universal level - in the age of Instagramreality and the ‘Good Vibes Only’ cult. Odox 171 Great Hampton Row, Birmingham, B19 3JP
1) SPLITS 2019 Digital print on fabric 111x157cm
2) Are You Still Watching? 2019 touchscreen interactive video 4 minutes, 40 seconds
3) Compassionate Other 2019 .mp4 11 minutes, 12 seconds
original text was transcribed from a Mindfulness session designed to treat those suffering from chronic personality and mood disorders. I recorded this covertly at Stratford Hospital, March 13th 2019. The mindfulness session focused on the idea of creating a ‘compassionate ideal’ in one’s own mind—an imaginary friend of sorts.
4) Hansel 2019 birdcage, doll legs, stand, paint
5) Bubble 2019 cloud shaped mirror, chopping board, gooseneck microphone stand, jewellery display hand, building block, adhesive gems, paint
6) Kubi 2019 ash dowel, rubber, doll head, gooseneck microphone stand, paint
7) Thera 2019 board, expanding foam, chenille, paint, thera cane, miniature basketball, jewellery display hand, aquarium coral
8) Reality Loading Screen 1 (Seed) 2019 .mp4 Infinite Loop
9) Reality Loading Screen 2 (Paradise) 2019 .mp4 Infinite Loop
JAY TAYLOR AND ROB HAMP (ODOX) KORY, ZEE AND BEANIE VANDENBERG TOM , GORDON AND ZOE JELLEY and you xx