August/September update

Posted - Oct 01, 2008

Hello folks, another month, another update.
While I am unable to tell you about new artwork until very early next year (or as long as legal action against me continues) I have selflessly decided – as your very own information service – to devote this little column to personal reviews of current art exhibitions, as visited by me! I know your finger is now twitching over the red cross in the top corner of your screen…..but stick with me, it could be useful for your diary!

So this month I ambled down to the Baltic art gallery right here in Newcastle. You can be assured of heavyweight, contemporary and VERY serious art here, and I was duly provided with an afternoon of culture by artist David Shrigley.
His major installation consisted, among other things, of a pair of fishermans waders filled with expanding foam – the type you insulate your house with – a grave stone etched with a food shopping list, a horseshoe nailed to the wall, and my personal favourite…a dead rodent laid on the floor.
(I’m not sure whether the confused looking old ladies were part of the installation?)

On a different floor another exhibition by artist Steve Mcqueen – I bet thats not his real name – attracted my critical attention. This took the form of a large room cloaked in almost total darkness and punctuated with loud noise, In here, to my shame, I was told off by a curator for touching the walls (I couldnt even see the walls….or the curator) This led to another room which had on its wall a projected image of….....a dead horse. The artists serious message clearly tussling with his outrageous sense of fun.

I can personally recommend this as a laugh a minute exhibition, AND best of all, the cakes in the gallery cafe are delicious. I had a rather nice slicey thing with figs on it. (I think I’m doing alright at this art journalism)

In an attempt to be all ‘cutting edge’ I am now going to install at home, the next offering from my cat. Usually it’s slaughtered mouse. I shall, wearing white gloves, remove it from the proud, yet slightly annoyed cat and reverentially place it in the corner of my living room. I will then discuss, with anyone passing…its decayed, fragile beauty. We are very cultured here in the North East.
I will be back with another exciting review very soon.
SJ
ps I am going to change this old site shortly for a lovely sparkly new one, oh and for anyone in the business who might like to know, I will be appearing at Spring Fair 2009.