Come and See

Ok I know I have been away for a LONG time and there is really and truly only one post on here. Albeit it an amazing post.... there's not much content other than that. It's mainly due to the fact I haven't had much cash to do much and other things have take priority. However, I want to breathe some much needed life into this blog. So without delaying any further....

Come And See- Jake and Dinos Chapman

@Serpentine Sackler Gallery

Today I was lucky to see this show as it closes tomorrow on Sunday. I remember seeing some of their work at the Saatchi Gallery about 10 years and was always impressed their approach in tackling subjects such as religion, mortality and politics. It's usually quite confrontational work and I think sometimes have quite an eerie feel to them which always leaves me with questions.  

Their most famous work, described as 'hellscapes', were the particular favourites of the crowd as there is so much to see in it. So many stories within one scene. The Nazis, the mutants, the skeletal zombies and the McDonald's characters all in one apocalyptic battle field. It looks very gruesome and so disturbing and as one of the visitors said 'you almost can't see who the bad guys are'. A definite reflection on the state of corruption in politics and the corporate world and how they collide and conspire together. Interesting that Ronald McDonald has been turned into a Jesus figure. Probably more people eat Maccy D's than turn up to church on Sunday. Who is the bigger icon? Which side are you on?

There were also four large black flags with smiley faces which initial look quite fun until you realise they are reminiscent of flags at a Nazi rally. The blue eyed Klu Klux Klan figures that were dotted around the exhibition, all with very startled expressions under their white hoods, also featured the smiley face symbol but the surprise is that they were wearing rainbow socks and Birkenstocks. Is this of the view point that we all take to corruption is someway when it's presented to us in a safe and amicable way? Really we are innocent but somehow we are held hostage to a corrupt world through politics and corporate companies? The KKK members were also present in the room where the short film Fucking Hell was being shown. Needless to say, I kept standing as I found those things a bit freaky as they were so life like. Mannequins are weird in general, let alone if they are dressed in KKK gear!

Other particular favourites were the 21 delicate pencil drawings What Really Happens To Us After We're Dead series. These ghostly and ethereal drawings were reminiscent of the recent research made by scientists in regards to brain waves that are omitted just before death. I would like to think that it has been inspired by this or it's an interpretation of the spirit leaving the body.

What I like about their work as a whole is that although it's dark and it is often highlighting the negative, which is something that we can fall victim to or push to the back of our minds, usually because it is uncomfortable and can raise fear or guilt within ourselves. The use of McDonalds characters add a sense of humour poking fun at those at the top of the financial totem pole. They are not afraid to confront and question those that are seen to have high status. This is also seen in the series of 8 paintings One Day You Will No Longer Be Loved. Inspired by the old masters and the high society persons at the time who would have paid artists to paint portraits to depict their status and self importance, these remade works on canvases with haphazardly placed rusted nails feature portraits with signs of decay and the ultimate demise of death; a sure reminder that no matter what status, political or religious views you may possess, the one thing in this life is the inescapable process of death.

Click link below for more info

Jake and Dinos Chapman- Come and See

-JV- 

All photos belong to Jade Velveteese