Art Review: In Conversation @ Government Art Collection

Tabish Khan
By Tabish Khan Last edited 143 months ago
Art Review: In Conversation @ Government Art Collection


The Government Art Collection (GAC) includes more than 13,500 works located all over the world, ranging from embassies abroad to 10 Downing Street. The art itself serves an ambassadorial purpose by playing a part in how UK culture is viewed by the rest of the world.

The GAC holds a wide variety of works, but this latest exhibition focuses on conversation and how this is portrayed through the art in the collection.

Items on display range from simple text on a plain background through to intricate fractal patterns that appear to convey a message in an ancient language.

Much of the art is abstract and can be a little hit and miss, and may not be to everyone's liking. However, there is also plenty of good, accessible art on display from familiar names such as Bridget Riley and Bernard Cohen.

The highlight of the show has to be a video installation by Rachel Lowe where she tries to draw the scenery on her car window as it whizzes by. The resulting scribble acts as a reminder that capturing a moment in time in its entirety is nigh impossible.

In Conversation at the Government Art Collection is on display at Queens Yard, 179a Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7PA until 4 May. Admission is free but by appointment only.

Last Updated 22 April 2012