Ketchum Pleon London Toasts in New Show: NORMAH by David Holah

LONDON, January 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- Meet the Artist - 13 January From 6-8pm

Art@Ketchum Pleon proudly celebrates proudly presents NORMAH, by David Holah, a new exhibition which captures the glamour and decoration of fashion in an amusing and "camp" framework. Exploring notions of sexual identity, the work contains complex, subliminal elements that relate to Holah's own history and personal interpretation. Coming from a fashion background, Holah integrates traditional printmaking methods with his individual illustrative style to create unique contemporary prints.

After obtaining a first class BA with honours in fashion & textiles at Middlesex University, Holah set up the pioneering Fashion label Bodymap with partner Stevie Stewart, earning them the Martini Award, in 1983, for most innovative designer(s) of the year. Bodymap were renowned for putting British fashion back on the map with their controversial catwalk shows. They also designed costumes throughout the 80s for Michael Clark's dance company for which they were honoured with the Bessie costume award in 1987. They also created commissioned pieces for Ballet Rambert and the Royal Festival Ballet. Bodymap outfits are displayed in museums worldwide, including the V&A.

David Holah also designed independently, creating clothing and textile prints for other fashion companies including Goldie, Benetton and Fiorucci. During this time he also taught fashion in various art colleges including St. Martins. Holah has worked as a freelance stylist for commercials, pop promos and celebrities and continues to be a freelance designer. In 2006 he emerged from Camberwell College of Art with an MA in fine art, and he has exhibited his work in numerous shows, galleries and public spaces, making his mark as an extraordinary printmaker.

The Art@Ketchum Pleon series is hosted by the London office of Ketchum Pleon, a leading European public relations consultancy and part of global public relations agency Ketchum. The programme offers local artists the opportunity to show their work in an art gallery established in Ketchum Pleon's London office, located at 35-41 Folgate Street. To date, Art@Ketchum Pleon has showcased a number of famed British artists, including works by one of the U.K.'s leading linocut artists Paul Catherall, as well Karin Gunnarsson (photographer), John Lee Bird (artist), Gail Mallatratt (printer), Andy Whale (photographer), Monica Curtin (photographer), Tom Frost (illustrator) and others.

"We are so pleased to host the creative talents of David Holah," said Avril Lee, partner and Deputy CEO of Ketchum Pleon London. "His striking work provides a great opportunity to foster creative thinking amongst Ketchum Pleon employees, and open our doors to the larger London community to support these talented local artists."

The Normah by David Holah exhibition may be viewed weekdays from 10.00am - 5.00pm from 13 January through 11 March at Ketchum Pleon London, 35-41 Folgate Street, London, E1 6BX. A New Year "meet the artist" toast is scheduled for 6-8pm on Thursday, 13 January.

To request artwork images, please contact anastasia.ivanova@ketchumpleon.com.

Visit the Art@Ketchum Pleon Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=134279345573&v=info.

About Ketchum Pleon

Ketchum Pleon is one of the largest, most geographically diverse communications consultancies and the established European market leader. Worldwide, Ketchum has more than 2,000 employees in owned operations and operates in 66 countries with more than 100 owned and affiliated offices. Ketchum is a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC; http://www.omnicomgroup.com). Additional information on Ketchum Pleon and its award-winning work can be found at http://www.ketchumpleon.com.