EXHIBITION BY CHARLOTTE MEI
Like a Melody
Myths, Memories and Fantasy
London's NOW Gallery on the Greenwich Peninsular is transcending into another realm until 2nd June 2024, created by our very own Charlotte Mei.
Inspired by the worlds of fantasy, mythology and anime, the show is rooted in escapism. It gives a unique opportunity to step into Charlotte's immersive fantasy narrative, through large scale canvasses, giant action figurines and imagined artefacts from a parallel universe, envoking an ethereal sense of place, adventure and strength. Charlotte is a lifelong fan of the fantasty genre, one that often features male-domianted and Eurocentric stories, and this is her own exploration of these influences. She's created a narrative reflective of her background as a woman and British-Chinese artist, playing with notions of femininity amidst metal armour and symbols of bravery.
We spoke with Charlotte about the inspiration behind the collection of work, the joy of creating large scale work and how she's using her creative voice as an artist to inspire and encourage escapism into the fantasy realm.
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I have been obsessed with fantasy stories, films, literature, anime and art for as long as I can remember. I wanted to create a fantasy world because I want to live in one.
– Charlotte Mei
Tell us about the inspiration behind the collection
I have been obsessed with fantasy stories, films, literature, anime and art for as long as I can remember. Dipping into that palette felt like a natural starting point when I began making artworks for Like a Melody. I wanted to create a fantasy world because I want to live in one.
Credit
What does the title 'Like a Melody' mean to you?
The name Like a Melody is a reference to a lyric that features in the soundtrack to ‘All About Lily Chou Chou’. Lily is an elusive and enigmatic character, a singer whose music bewitches its listeners. The film is very melancholy and disturbing at times, but its ethereal soundtrack has a mystery and ambiguity that feels transcendent. As an artist I can tap into a mode of expression that has an intangibility but evokes a certain feeling, this can be quite personal to the viewer. There is a vagueness but also an emotionality, like a melody.
What can we expect from the exhibition itself?
Expect very large scale artworks, a 3m tall, plushy sculpture, multi canvas paintings that are several metres in width, and metal sculptures in the form of weapons and armour!
Is there anything you’ve gleaned about your work through the process of creating this exhibition?
I really enjoyed making large artworks. It was an immersive experience to create them, as their size physically engulfed me. It was also wonderful to be able to experiment with materials and have a chance to present a range of processes for one show as part of a cohesive narrative. This is something I’ve always wanted to do.
What’s next for you, is there anything this show has spurred you on to explore?
I want to keep making large work, and if anything, working towards the show has given me the confidence to stand behind my ideas and express them boldly and authentically.
Like a Melody: Myths, Memories, and Fantasy runs 29 Mar - 2 Jun 2024.
Join Charlotte for the priviate view by registering for a ticket here!
About Charlotte Mei
Charlotte Mei is an artist and illustrator based in London, collaboarting brands such as Hermès, Nike, Rimowa, Lulu Guinness, Beams Japan and The New York Times, and her artworks have been exhibited in London, Hong Kong, Berlin, Tokyo and more.
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