Saatchi Gallery's Iconoclasts Exhibition Misses The Mark
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A massive writhing sculpture made of feathers looks like it could come to life and constrict us, while violent scenes loom over us in a massive painting with blood splashing in all directions.
The Saatchi Gallery has pulled together a group of emerging artists all centred around the theme of modern day iconoclasm.
While there is a broad range of painting, photography and sculpture on display, it's a strange theme to choose and none of these artists really do come across as iconoclasts — merely artists trying to do something different, rather than an affront on religion as the title implies.
There are some great works here including a room with Kate MccGuire's feathered massive sculpture. Douglas White's grotto looks like it's been crafted from weathered animal skins, and may have housed early humans.
We're big fans of Thomas Mailaender's photographs of people where he has 'sunburnt' images on to their bare skin. It's an inventive and meta take on photography to place images of people on to other people.
The downside of this exhibition is that the stronger works we've mentioned are far outweighed by works that just aren't very good, and some of the larger paintings here feel very amateur.
This is a real mish-mash of work, without a coherent theme and it's a disappointing exhibition overall.
Iconoclasts: Out of the Mainstream at Saatchi Gallery is on until 7 January 6 March 2018*. Entrance is free.
* Exhibition has been extended.
Last Updated 10 January 2018
