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In
the guise of an amateur hobbyist or a competent model-maker, John
Timberlake constructs dioramas depicting English landscapes set
amongst simulated painted clouded skies from archival images of
British nuclear tests.
The
work culminates in a seductive series of colour photographs. Through
recreating classical landscapes, but containing an image of modern
catastrophe, the works question the role of western art in recording
and constructing history.
There
is a strange sense of dislocation between the various layers of
the image, contrasting our belief in the 'truth' of a photograph
with the notion of the 'art' of painting.
Timberlake
places himself and the viewer amongst the onlookers causing us also
to consider who is creating and recording history.
The
figures all stand passively, back to camera, surveying their actions.
The
images have a disconcerting, but at the same time nostalgic quality,
highlighting the impossibility of truly representing terrible events.
‘Another
Country’ is a Focal Point Gallery touring exhibition produced in
association with the University of Hertfordshire Galleries and Worcester
City Art Gallery.
A colour
catalogue accompanies the exhibition.
For
further information contact: Worcester City Museum & Art Gallery
on 01905 25371 or
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