THEIR OWN PERSONAL JESUS
In the wake of society's calamities and what is and is not going on in current affairs, it appears that the whole world's gone mad, or-at the least-turned upside down. And the people seek solace from their raw reality, 'World Upside Down' at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre in Ontario provides recluse through a satirical observance of social models through visual art. Fifteen artists use a cultural and historical cocktail garnished with satire, to explore their own personal Jesus through playful pieces or introspection including self-potraits, performances and an off-site billboard project.
Exhibition curator Richard William Hill mentions imagining Soviet Supermen and killer rabbits, but what is really Alice-in-Wonderland are headless aristocrats donned in pseudo African fabric and present-day Queen Nanny icons. Exhibit artists to highlight include mixed-media artist and photographer Renee Cox and fine artist Yinka Shonibare. Cox's self-portraits include her self-portrayals through alter egos such Raje, a cultural ambassador clad in a liberation onesie and Queen Mammy of the Maroons, Jamaica's sole national female hero, an 18th century Maroon leader. With overt satire and seriousness, Cox's portraits portray herself-symbolic of what she is, was, strives to be and is expected to be, as a gently assimilated black woman. Turner Prize-nominee recognized for his fabrications of royalty, Yinka Shonibare uses "African" fabric, purchased in a London market, to create models of the British royal guard engaging in "common" behavior. Shonibare's use of fabric and postures seek to demonstrate that culture is a mere artificial construct-as is his work headless royalty on a unicycle. Albeit the unsavory social and political climate, 'World Upside Down' is a testament that real can really does recognize real.
World Upside Down, curated by Richard William Hill, is organized by the Walter Phillips Gallery, The Banff Center and in collaboration with the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, and the Musée d'art de Joliette. 'World Upside Down' runs through February 17, 2008.
1 November 2007