Below Zero Finnish Art Award 2024 winner Anssi Kasitonni, who wryly describes himself as the ‘country cousin of Jeff Koons’, is bringing his DIY aesthetic of crafting ‘fast’ sculptures from lo-fi materials glamourised in chrome to Beaconsfield Gallery this spring. The exhibition, titled Gentle Means and Easy Tasks, runs from 7 March until 26 April. The Below Zero Prize awards a Finnish artist a commission to make new work with Beaconsfield which is housed in what remains of the 19th-century Lambeth Ragged School. Responding to the building’s mythologies, Kasitonni is creating a new sculpture which reimagines the grand pediment which once crowed the original neoclassical portico.
Kasitonni’s pediment, made from cardboard, plaster and expanding foam, then chromed and painted in vibrant colours, features an enigmatic cast of characters, creatures and objects such as an elephant, a peacock and even a yellow submarine. Central to his monumental frieze, is the figure of Eliza Beaufoy, beloved wife of philanthropist Henry who was responsible for building the school for 1000 vagrant children in 1851 in her memory. By 1904 however, the land had been sold back to the Railways, who demolished two of the neo-classical wings to widen the viaduct. This left only the Girls’ wing which has been occupied by Beaconsfield Contemporary Art since 1994.
Imagery from the original pediment is scant, but it is known that the motto for the school was taken from Shakespeare: ‘Those that do teach young babes Do it with gentle means, and easy tasks‘ – Othello Act IV Scene II.
The ten metre wide sculpture will be shown in Beaconsfield’s Upper Gallery from 7 March until 26 April and will travel next year to be shown at Finland’s cutting-edge contemporary art museum, Serlachius. Throughout the exhibition, the Lower Gallery at Beaconsfield will screen a selection of Kasitonni’s short films.
Beaconsfield will also host a sculpture workshop for enthusiasts on 26 February at 2-5pm, where you can learn from Kasitonni’s fast-sculpture techniques. Sculpt an object of your own desire from cardboard and plaster and discuss the foundations of Kasitonni’s new commission. Limited places, book your ticket here.
‘Gentle Means and Easy Tasks’ exhibition at Beaconsfield Gallery (22 Newport Street, London SE11 6AY) from 7 March until 26 April 2025. Gallery is open Wednesday-Saturday from 12pm to 5pm, admission is free. Preview will take place on Thursday 6 March at 6.30-9pm, everyone welcome.
Photo: Ellis Parkinson
