Celebrated young London artists have collaborated to stage a new exhibition at Lewisham Arthouse Gallery.

Perspectives will exhibit five artists: Fraser Sharp, Tom Hackney, Chris Acheson, Andrew Poulter and Michael Gough who attempt to "create a symposium of ideas which constitute a vocabulary of contemporary painting".

Organisers of the show told Leisuretime: "Perspectives is an attempt to create different perspectives on painting as an art. We plan to initiate some debate; to force people to question the reasons and motivations behind art."

Sharp explores moments of his own life through his painting as fading memories and snapshots from his childhood.

So be prepared for a particularly personal assault. None of the artists hide their emotions and this comes through in what is on offer.

Hackney's painting's investigate the act of photography and the politics of looking. Within this framework he produces photo-realist works which explore the relationship between the subject and the viewer through their dissolving narratives.

Poulter's paintings are configurations based on the patterns and behaviour of dogs. These works serve as metaphors for an autobiographic language which exist in the artist's imagination.

Acheson's paintings set up narratives between the objects and figurines he chooses from sources in popular culture. They are rendered in a soft focus, photo-realist manner.

Gough's paintings consider the semiotic values of watercolour and its appropriation to reconsider a cultural view of aspiration and hope.

Combined, these artists promise to deliver a look at the ways the audience can deliberate over artistic works a real challenge to the norm.

- Perspectives, Art House Gallery, Lewisham Way, Lewisham, April 11-26, Wed-Sun 11am-6pm, free, disabled access, 020 8244 3168.

April 8, 2002 19:00