ABOUT

on big and small battles
Margarita Godgelf and Jess de Zilva
Curious Kudu Gallery
2nd-27th August 2023
PV 3rd of August 2023 6-9pm
Curated by Anna Nesterenko, a joint exhibition of artists Margarita Godgelf and Jess de Zilva
entitled on big and small battles will be on display at the Curious Kudu Gallery from
2nd-27th August 2023, showcasing two artistic approaches that explore the complex nature
of human existence through the medium of oil painting.
While both artists work primarily with oil on canvas to depict human figures, their approaches
are distinct yet complementary. In her series ‘The Rite of Spring’ de Zilva presents a
collection that speaks of recalibration. The paintings express a desire and force to create
harmony and the need for hope. ‘Spring’ is symbolised in the colour yellow, as a daffodil and
used as a metaphor for a fresh start. De Zilva’s painted female figures are testing unknown
waters and reaching into hazy dreamlike spaces, balancing awkwardly, and even trying to
blend in among penguins. While some are gentle, careful and considered others are more
actively engaged. With clenched fists they are battle-ready. There’s a knife camouflaged
among the greenery. Perhaps this cause for harmony requires a different kind of energy too?
«The world has changed so quickly. Serious items have snuck their way into our lives. They
have managed to grow like rot that starts behind the shed, and spreads underground
unnoticed and unattended until it’s already reached the foundations of the house you live in.
I know this sounds grim. Yet, we need to hope and try and put in the effort. That’s what these
works are about.»
Margarita Godgelf’s project "Nothing Personal" features faceless characters that act as
conduits to explore the depths of the human psyche. Her paintings intentionally shift the
focus from physicality and gender differences, erasing age-old conventions and clichés
imposed on behaviour. Margarita creates a kind of secret room filled with images and
revelations. This space is devoid of geographical coordinates and often exists outside of
time, lying on the boundary between the real and metaphysical worlds.
«Speaking about the universal, I talk about loneliness, infantilism, anxiety and dependence
on society, creating the desire to close down and simultaneously declare oneself, prompting
one to broadcast the alter ego. By using familiar visual cues such as stickers and selfie
gestures, we endeavour to conform to societal expectations.
My faceless characters serve as conduits, through which we descend into the recesses of
our beings and encounter our authentic selves. This juncture of self-revelation may prove
exceedingly painful, yet unfailingly yields salutary insights.
While Margarita's work evokes stillness, contemplation, and introspection, Jess' art
represents dynamics, hope, and the search for a path. Although they might seem
contradictory, they are, in fact, two consecutive steps of the same thought process inherent
to human history.

The pandemic has had a profound impact on both artists. For Margarita, the forced
self-isolation served as a creative impulse to continue her project "Nothing Personal," initially
conceived as a feminist endeavour. People wearing protective masks reminded her of the
veiled characters she had painted since 2005. As people sought support from society and
turned to social media, personal boundaries blurred, and the hidden depths of the
subconscious were exposed.
In contrast, de Zilva highlighted the emotional chaos and confusion brought on by the
pandemic. In her thought-provoking allegories, she combined the figure’s poses and
expressions with backdrops, symbolic and familiar pandemic-related objects.
Both artists chose realistic painting as their preferred medium to tackle artistic challenges.
Their art invites the viewer to engage with universal themes and experiences that are
relatable to us all. Don't miss this unique opportunity to view their works displayed
side-by-side.
The opening reception for the exhibition will take place on August 3rd from 6-9pm, and both
artists will be present to discuss their work. Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend.
The exhibition runs from August 2nd to 27th at the Curious Kudu Gallery,117 Queen's Rd,
London SE15 2EZ.