Ugly Clean Up (15.10.2011-30.10.2011) – Embassy Gallery – Review by Joe Etchell
The Embassy gallery, once again, returns to its concealed and understated premises on Broughton Street Lane for the politically motivated and noisy exhibition, Ugly Clean Up. In the wake of the London riots this exhibition is highly relevant and focuses on ubiquitous themes in the broader political sphere. However, the gentrified context of Edinburgh leaves the revolutionary ambiance somewhat quelled and potentially does the subject matter an injustice.
On the contrary to this, it is not to say the Embassy have not been ambitious with their choice of artists. The Embassy team has handpicked work from far and wide with different levels of experience and finish to create a dynamic cross section of artists, ranging from; the well-known Beagles and Ramsay to the recently graduated Eva Isleifsdottir. Both of whom have added their voices to the common outcry of a youth gone wild. Judging by this exhibition, it would seem a neo-punk revival is on its way in. All the artists can be linked by their simple yet conceptually weighted style and by their shared anti-establishmentarian views.
The overall appearance of the exhibition is suitably ad hoc and shows some rough edges. Extension cables and DVD players are placed carelessly on the floors, a distinct lack of cable ties is overtly noticeable and the space is overwhelmed by the presence of a crude police van hewn from parcel wrap. Conventional curation, faux pas aside, the crude aesthetic works well with the nature of the exhibition emphasising the gallery’s grassroots approach.
Ugly Clean Up has definitely covered the myriad of meanings to the word ugly; in name, in concept and in practice. However, there is something genuinely honest about this exhibition, which, in today’s society of avatars and make up, is quite hard to come by.
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