Elaine Sturtevant is an artist who is most renowned for aping the work of other artists such as Warhol and Duchamp. Initially dismissed by some as a plagiarist, her influence has since been recognised by many in the art world as offering a prescient look at the future and how technology is blurring the lines of intellectual property and the definition of ownership and copyright.
This is her first major retrospective in the UK and their is a strong message around humanity's impact on the world around us. Rows of lightbulbs cascade down from the gallery's skylight, outshining the natural light pouring through. Meanwhile, a rotating projector in the central gallery ensures that, wherever you stand, you'll always be in its way.
Gender inequality is addressed by a line of blow up sex dolls, mainly male, all facing out of the window. The speed at which children are forced to grow up is demonstrated by televisions splicing cartoons with sexual and aggressive imagery.
A giant projection shows a film of a dog running hard without getting anywhere, never reaching its target, possibly a commentary on the modern rat race and how everyone seems to be running to stand still.
This exhibition is an assault on the senses as visitors are bombarded with sounds, images and film. Yet it feels very scatter-gun with socio-political messages firing in all directions, hoping one will stick. Ultimately this exhibition lacks the cohesion to provide a consistent message and therefore it's a tough one to engage with.
Sturtevant: Leaps, Jumps and Bumps is on at Serpentine Gallery, Kensington Gardens, W2 3XA until 26 August. Admission is free.
While at the gallery, make sure you check out the fantastic new pavilion.
