- Venue
- Gallery North
- Location
- North East England
“…I only wanted Uncle Vern standing by his new car (a Hudson) on a clear day. I got him and the car. I also got a bit of Aunt Mary’s laundry and Beau Jack, peeing on the fence… ”
-Lee Friedlander on how unpredictable the process of taking pictures can be, in the exhibition essay ‘Always On The Run’ by Jonathon Griffin.
The above quote explains how the title of the exhibition came to be, ‘Uncle Vern’s Dog’ a metaphor for the chaotic role of chance, discovery and happy accidents, fitting perfectly with the exhibition’s intent. From the offset you can’t help but find instant appeal and gratification from the selected artists. There is something here that resonates with the child like nature of drawing a giant squiggle on the wall with yellow paint; the pure and unashamed joy of making art.
After kindly being handed a brochure on the exhibition, which features the aforementioned essay, and appreciating the fold out poster, it becomes easy to see that the show as whole has an aggressive enjoyment in the art-making process, however that may arise. This is no bad thing; in fact it is an essential part to the whole game of involving oneself in creative practice, a sometimes forgotten notion. Focusing on painting, the exhibition also features photographs, sculptures, installations and video works; the majority of the work is visually bold, vibrant and occasionally clashing. The work on the walls and floor maintain their eclecticism and bounce happily off each other as if they are in cahoots and plotting their next adventure. Luke Drozd Totem Palm, (tape, old door, packing foam & plant, 2011) and Joe Clark Asset Management #3 (C-type print, 2012) sit next to each other, both indulging in amalgamation, and the everyday (in terms of material & environment); while Gordon Dalton keeps the conversation going throughout the exhibition with nods to Magritte and Fontana with Caveat Emptor (Acrylic on canvas, 2012) and All I Ever Wanted, All I Ever Needed (Acrylic on canvas, 2012). It is very easy to enjoy this exhibition, and it appears that enjoyment is paramount, from both artist & audience. Each individual piece has its own merit that could be dissected and praised, but as such a rewarding show, I decided to just put my pen down.
