Revealed
This weekend I took a brief break from essay-marking to visit the Revealed: Government Art Collection exhibition at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. It's an odd collection of works, seemingly randomly selected - some even bought to 'save on the cost of wallpaper' to re-decorate government offices. But it makes for a fascinating exhibition that reflects changing conceptions of Britishness and art.
The highlight for me was the section curated by artist Cornelia Parker called 'Richard of York Gave Battle In Vain', in which she displayed a selection of works 'salon' style (from floor to ceiling) grouped according to the colours of the rainbow. I thought it worked really well and I found my attention drawn to each individual work as well as appreciating the whole effect. 'Blue Lane' by Graham Crowley shone out of the blue into indigo section.
Visitors are encouraged to consider which work they would choose to hang in their office if they were Prime Minister. My overall favourite was this one painted after John de Critz of 'King James VI and I (1566-1625) reigned Scotland from 1567, England 1603-1625'. My knowledge of this period of history is sketchy to say the least but I liked this one because it is a modest little picture (approximately 20 cm x 25 cm) and, to me, seems to convey James as a gentle man with a twinkle in his eye and a smile not far from his lips.
This weekend I took a brief break from essay-marking to visit the Revealed: Government Art Collection exhibition at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. It's an odd collection of works, seemingly randomly selected - some even bought to 'save on the cost of wallpaper' to re-decorate government offices. But it makes for a fascinating exhibition that reflects changing conceptions of Britishness and art. 
The highlight for me was the section curated by artist Cornelia Parker called 'Richard of York Gave Battle In Vain', in which she displayed a selection of works 'salon' style (from floor to ceiling) grouped according to the colours of the rainbow. I thought it worked really well and I found my attention drawn to each individual work as well as appreciating the whole effect. 'Blue Lane' by Graham Crowley shone out of the blue into indigo section.
Visitors are encouraged to consider which work they would choose to hang in their office if they were Prime Minister. My overall favourite was this one painted after John de Critz of 'King James VI and I (1566-1625) reigned Scotland from 1567, England 1603-1625'. My knowledge of this period of history is sketchy to say the least but I liked this one because it is a modest little picture (approximately 20 cm x 25 cm) and, to me, seems to convey James as a gentle man with a twinkle in his eye and a smile not far from his lips. 
Am pleased you enjoyed it too. I'd choose the large portrait of Ada Lovelace if I was PM. She's so pretty and the teenage romantic in me loves her name!!
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