For his project at Lock Up Visual Arts, Cedar Lewisohn will present a new series of drawings which explore
architectural scenes from the area of social housing where the exhibition will take place. The drawings will also
include images from Lewisham in South London were the artist lives. Juxtaposed with the architectural imagery are
various figures from the Benin collections at the British Museum. The characters from Benin are often holding
knives or weapons. The mixing of 21 century London, and relief sculptures from the 16th century can be seen a
comment on urban environments and their effect on our contemporary psyche, with particular reference to the black
male body. The works seek to question media and government statements about UK knife crime, and knife crime in
London, with particular reference to recent condemnation of the music genre “Drill”.
The exhibition title, Hollywood House, is a direct reference to Thomas Hollywood House, the 1960’s tower block
where the exhibition will take place.
The project will be for one night only, and will also include a Jamaican Ital soup, made from a recipe provided by
Cedar in collaboration with chef The White Brothers.
Cedar Lewisohn is an artist, curator and writer. He has worked on many museum projects in UK and
internationally. His work is in various private and public collections. His most recent solo exhibitions include
Exeter Phoenix (UK), and Joey Ramone Gallery, Rotterdam (NL)
Cedar
Lewisohn Website