COPENHAGEN.- To coincide with the launch of Copenhagen Fashion Week, British artist David Risley's exhibition 'Madam X' of new paintings will open at OUTPOST GALLERY opening Monday, 7th August at 16:00 CEST. Inspired by paintings of women, from early Renaissance frescos of standing saints to Portrait of Madame X by American painter John Singer Sargent, Risley looks to modern-day muses as his subject matter.

Popular Danish fashion influencers Sophia Roe, Marie Jedig, Pernille Rosenkilde and Naomi Anwer are iconised by Risley in watercolour paints on life-size silk canvases. Risley contacted each woman and produced images in collaboration with them towards the final paintings. They were compensated for their time.

The paintings will be displayed within the gallery on Store Kongensgade: a commercial street in the city centre. In this way, Risley invites his viewers to consider the significance of the space –– what could’ve been a fashion boutique is instead the site for his exhibition. As influencers, the women routinely post photos of themselves online. Risley’s singular physical paintings exist on the opposite end of the spectrum, inviting viewers to consider the contrast between his work and the millions of images of each woman disseminated on social media. Inevitably, Risley’s work will be photographed and shared –– encouraging the social media loop to continue.

An artist who makes paintings, writes, curates and teaches, Risley co-founded the CHART Art Fair and ran the David Risley Gallery for 20 years, which spotlighted both established and emerging talent. Originally from England, Risley lives in Copenhagen, Denmark.

David Risley (b. Tamworth, UK, 1972) main achievements include:

·David Risley Gallery, Owner / director, London, Copenhagen, 2000 - 2018

·Bloomberg Space, London, founding curator, 2002-2005

·Zoo Art Fair. Founding owner, director, 2003

·Aftagerpanelet Københavns Kunstakademi 2015 - 2018

·Jury member- Charlottenborg Forårsudstilling, 2022

·Chart Art Fair. Founding owner and board member. 2013 - 2022

·Artist mentor

OUTPOST
David Risley: Madame X
August 7th, 2023 - August 19th, 2023
Grand opening - Monday August 7, 4PM - 7PM