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| Cell (Eyes and Mirrors), Louise Bourgeois, 1989-93, marble mirrors, steel and glass, 2362x2108x2184mm. Photographic credit: Tate, London. |
This exhibition looks at contemporary art and entrapment and with Nottingham Castle’s dungeons and their horrible history, it’s a suitable venue. Comparative to Nottingham Contemporary’s exhibition The Impossible Prison earlier this year at the old Police Station, this show explores notions of control, surveillance and the psychology of imprisonment. I’m glad to see that two of Nottingham’s most prestigious art galleries have examined the dark side of contemporary art this year.
The first artwork I encounter is Louise Bourgeois’ ‘Cell (Eyes and Mirror)’, a cage-like construction with large marble like eyes staring out me. The cold and sterile glass and mirrors, which can be viewed from all four sides, makes me feel very pleased that I’m on the outside rather than inside of this contraption.
Adjacent is Langlands and Bell’s artwork ‘Millbank Penitentiary’ which is a small scale wall-hung model of the prison which once existed on the site of the Tate Britain. This artist duo primarily explore architectural spaces and buildings of historical and political interest, such as The House of Osama bin Laden which was shown in the 2004 Turner Prize. But with this artwork they have also created something floral, sculptural and beautiful – which is confusing.
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| No Visible Means of Escape IV, Mark Quinn, 1996, rubber, 4000x600x400mm. Photographic credits: Tate, London |
In the main room is Marc Quinn’s sculpture, which gives the exhibition its title, which hangs obtrusively from the celing in the ce ntre of the room. Cast from the artists own body this suspended rubber sculpture is waxy, shiny and horrific. Again something the viewer can walk all the way around to look at, the shredded skin like a chrysalis, records the body once trapped inside it.
On entering this main room the feeling is gets oppressive; pictures of prison adorn the walls, there are constant sounds of beeping and buzzers and a man sits watching you. As the text “Another girl in a long black coat holds a red pen … she twirls it between her fingers … she makes notes in a spiral bound notebook” appears on the far wall, I realise that he is watching me! And recording my every move! This is an artwork titled ‘Instant Narrative' by Dora Garcia where a performer sits in the gallery, all day long typing observations about the visitors onto a small laptop which is then projected onto a large wall for all to see.
I had the eerie feeling I was being watched … and I was!
In the final room is Darren Almond’s film, which represents imprisonment. I don’t need to linger on it too long to be drawn in; the metal bunks, peeling paint, bare walls and boredom reflect the prison aesthetic, whilst the noise of the chains, squeaks and slamming doors complete the audio of the scene.
As the doors fly open to reveal the light, warmth and comparative safety of the long gallery, I am slightly relieved. These doors have offered me a route of escape.
No Visible Means of Escape; Contemporary Art & Imprisonment is at the Castle Museum and Art Gallery from 31st October 2009 to 10th January 2010.
Check out Art at the Castle: http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2929
Opening Times: October - February Open daily 10am - 4pm (last admission 3.30pm)
Admission to the Castle Grounds: Adults - £3.50, Concessions - £2, Family Ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) - £8, Groups - 1 free ticket for every 10 purchased. FREE entry Monday to Friday for Nottingham City residents and those who work within Nottingham city
