real phoney by sinta tantra

By Athena Kugblenu

You won’t fail to notice Sinta Tantra’s latest installation if you happen to be passing by. Becoming known for her public works using vinyl and paint, Tantra has brought her distinctive style to the Monika Bobinska Gallery, in the heart of London’s East End.

The white cube that forms the gallery’s distinctive shape has been turned inside out with pink, turquoise and thick black lines enveloping the gallery’s outside walls. Inside, a glamorous, playful and polished patterned floor means walls are redundant in space which implores you to look down and wonder how nice the tiles would look in your kitchen.

Then there is the magnificent egg. It’s an oversized creation that screams textures at anyone who pays it enough attention. It is representative of Tantra’s previous work and evolution as an artist. It has traces of her trademark pink and has been constructed with perfect accuracy. But, in a departure from the usual representative symbols, it is comprised of anonymous shapes, surfaces and colours that compete with the elliptical cage within which they are confined.

What has Tantra achieved here? She has challenged tradition by placing value on what are traditionally the least valued aspects of exhibition space. Outside, passers-by normally presented with chip shops, off-licenses and bus shelters are treated to a show of explosive vibrancy. The gallery floor, once the exhibition is over, will never feel so spoilt again. And finally, the egg. A shape associated with opulence and expense, it rests not on a plinth, nor is it suspended on a wall. Instead, it feels right at home propped up on the glittery floor.

This is Tantra’s first solo show. On the strength of this accomplished work, we should look forward to seeing more.

Real Phoney is at the Monika Bobinksa Gallery at 242 Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9DA until 21 June 2009