Ron English will soon be back in London for the “Lazarus Rising” exhibition at Elms Lesters Painting Rooms.

“The new exhibition “Lazarus Rising” continues this theme, now dwelling on the unprecedented changes in the global economy, using prototypes of iconic cartoon characters and US comic books, so close to American culture and yet suddenly revealing in new ways.

By focusing on the under-the-surface meanings and obscure connotations of American icons, Ron English resurrects their original purpose by revealing the façade. It is by highlighting their inner contradiction that the usually open and recognisable public faces can then be seen for what they really are: tools that serve as corporate shills.

By distorting commonly recognisable characters English is able to change the narrative, and in effect, cancel out the oligarchic cooption. There is a certain illusive nature to American culture that, in the artist’s opinion, could definitely use a counterbalance.”

The exhibition runs from May 8th until June 6th. Some more previews follow after the jump.

London’s Elms Lesters Painting Room is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. We have regularly covered their shows, including Futura, Jose Parla, Kaws and many others in recent years. For the occasion of their 25th anniversary they will be releasing The Elms Lesters Book, showcasing the very best exhibitions and artists from the gallery.

Nearly two years in the making, and with almost 600 images printed across 500 pages, this monumental, hard- bound and boxed limited edition book covers 17 selected exhibitions and the work of fourteen of the most high profile contemporary artists: Adam Neate, José Parlá, Phil Frost, Anthony Lister, Andrew McAttee, Futura, James Marshall (Dalek), Boris Tellegen (DELTA), Mark Dean Veca, Ron English, Space Invader, Snug, Stash, and WK Interact.

Published by Elms Lesters, compiled and edited by Paul Jones and Fiona McKinnon and designed by Iain Cadby the volume is intended as a companion to the fine exhibition catalogues produced by the gallery and is limited to 1000 copies, presented in individually numbered boxes. It is an invaluable encapsulation of one of London’s premier contemporary art galleries.

To accompany this important occasion, a major exhibition featuring work by the gallery artists will run until 20th December.

The Christmas exhibition showcases new paintings by Adam Neate, Anthony Lister, Boris Tellegen (Delta), Futura, James Marshall (Dalek), José Parlá, Mark Dean Veca, Phil Frost, Ron English, Space Invader, Stash and WK Interact.

Have a look at The Elms Lesters Book set after the jump.

Elms Lesters Painting Rooms in East London is currently hosting a duel show with WK Interact and Anthony Lister. Art by the French and the British collide in one room. The show is notable for housing WK’s first color works. Thanks to Supertouch for the images. 
View more of WK Interact and Anthony Lister at Elms Lesters after the jump.

Elms Lester Painting Rooms are pleased to present a much awaited exhibition of DELTA’ s latest work: a showcase of the Dutch master’s graphic and architecturally inspired works, including new paintings, 3D constructivist pieces and complex collages.
This is the first UK Solo Exhibition by one of the pioneers of the European graffiti movement. The exhibition will open on June 6th and go until June 21rst.
After the jump a look at some more pieces that will be exhibited.

Here is a bit of an early announcement. Artist Jose Parla will have his first UK solo exhibition towards the end of the year. Elms Lesters will be showing his work from October 2nd until November 1rst. Mark it in your calendars!

Last year the Elms Lesters Painting Room held an exhibition, Pirate Utopias, showing works by Futura and Jose Parla. Blag Magazine made a nice video recap of the exhibition including short interviews with the artists and a guest appearance by Stash as well. Check it out here below.

New York legend Phil Frost will soon be releasing his first book.
published by DAMIANI Editore
text by Carlo McCormick and Pushead
ISBN 978 88 6208 024 8
italian / english
pages: 162
illustrations: 164
binding: hardback
release: spring 2008
To commemorate the release of the book, London’s Elms Lesters Gallery will be holding an exhibition showcasing new works by the artist.
PRIVATE VIEW: Thursday 3rd April 2008 between 6-9pm.
The exhibition of original works will continue until Saturday 12th April 2008.
Something that you should not miss! After the jump we give you an exclusive preview of some of the works that will be on display.