Sunday Sessions - review by Carla Tofano

all photos by Jason Atomic

Sunday Sessions at the Resistance Gallery - review by Carla Tofano

  "There's a magic in arriving to the location of your performing adventure, before everything starts, that can't be compared with many other privileged sensations. The lights aren't dramatic, nothing is in place to surprise you, the atmosphere isn't polished seductive, people and things look quite messy, but you know that you will take part in the final countdown, that will change the disposition of every element on display, to create a beautiful circumstance.

  As part of The Life Drawing Collective I have been testing the precious pleasure of backstage, since the moment we started planning how to grow a scene full of vivid references to the best of the classic art, and suggesting biblical tragedies without the oppressive weight of the religious morality. Always just with the power of three naked bodies that could be a daring metaphor of how to understand art and life.

  Stepping into the Resistance Gallery in Bethnal Green for the first time last Sunday, almost 2 hours before of the beginning of our second session as The Life Drawing Collective, was like sticking my head into a wonderland where Manko was Alice, and were everyone else involved in this scene "behind the scenes" had a comicbook role to play.

  I was the distracted clumsy lady ready to help but with little understanding of the priorities, Andrew the warrior from the city jungle that was specially concerned about claiming his space on the stage to protect it from enemies, Jason Atomic was the silent owner of the theatre with no need of play hard, but with an overview of every little detail that reinforced his omnipresence. Lights and stage were meticulously designed by Manko, whose high standards are always justified. The chairs were arranged in front of the stage by Andrew and myself. Classic music was filling the atmosphere thanks to Jason's expertise on the decks, the stage was dressed with blue tasteful satin, the art materials were arranged stage right, and when every little thing seemed done, we got naked to practice some poses, do some photos and welcome the artists that were the reason for our unconcealed excitement.

Practicing dramatic poses...

Collective between takes

we love our audience!

  The Life Drawing Collective and Resistance Gallery were a match made in heaven, and being in front of so many wonderful and dedicated artists was enormously gratifying for every single person involved without doubt. I take the risk of assuring so because last Sunday, during our first session at Resistance, we all felt, once again, the beautifully and terrified face of Art and we loved it. Now let's celebrate it with more nude illusionism. We all want to face and embrace the joy of being part of an artistic communion, and we will go for it next Sunday again, without asking for permission."

Don't miss a chance to draw this scene again this Sunday 15th !