These original drawings by Victoria Wainwright are mostly achieved by pen and ink. They are extraordinary illustrations, often representative of cartoon or caricature figures, against Brighton architecture. Exhibited here in the breakfast-room of a Brighton hotel, they surely provide a source of both amusement and admiration.

New Steine. Three figures of elongated and elasticated form stand, float and position themselves outside the host venue. With swathing black trousers and glitter-tops of sequin smiles, all three characters suggest a heightened sexuality of pleasure and allurement. The hotel is coloured in golden yellow, outlined in pencil with hanging baskets – looking set for exotic and erotic action.

Square. The hotel is shown as part of a row on the New Steine block. Wispy branches and tree trunks evoke eroticism. Two female figures stand in black and white, almost balletic, almost in transit. Two red phone-boxes suggest the ruddy lips of communication, of perhaps-longed-for sexual encounter.

The West Pier. Like the hotels, Brighton Pier is drawn in yellow and gold glitter, suggesting a place of fun and amusement. A towering female of lank and exaggerated form positions herself over the pier - costumed in a brilliant red dress, slicked-back hair and black shoes – dominating the fun rides.

Victoria Wainwright captures the sexual and erotic pleasures of Brighton, with fantastical characters who seem to yearn for the hidden secrets of the seaside. Her work shows the sheer delight of what the visual arts are about.

List of Works: (sizes are approximate): Time Out (20 x 30cm). Helter Skelter (20 x 30cm). Square (30 x 20cm). Downtown (20 x 30cm). Seafront (30 x 20cm). The West Pier (30 x 20cm). (End of list)

Credits: Artist - Victoria Wainwright. Hotel Proprietor - Hervé Guyat

END

(c) Mike Miller 2007

reviewed Wednesday 16 May 07 / New Steine Hotel

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008