MIXED MEDIA ART IN THE KITCHEN
A cross-culture fusion .00
Art in the Kitchen is a collaboration between artists based in the Netherlands and Scotland who bring their own cultural influences from as far as Japan to as near as Anstruther to bear on the work. The concept of the exhibition is the idea that art feeds the mind so there is lots of food references like Toyoko Shimada’s macaroni covered jackets and soap cakes but some of the art is merely present as a metaphor for the fuelling of the imagination.
Like Marcus van Soest’s busy images that capture everything from Donald Duck to skateboarding monsters, and Johan van der Woel’s work from the Yugoslavia tribunal at the Hague whose fast paintings capture a discreet yet lasting impression of the subject. Another lasting impression which might spoil your next duck a l’orange is the work of Bart Majoor who presents a stylised photograph of a squashed duck that is complemented by his poster work of road kill that looks like a picture menu for some macabre restaurant. In contrast are the 12 grey sea blocks by Alan Kilpatrick that gently ripple on the wall providing morsels of contemplation. And finally, Hendrik Jonas’ spice-coloured paintings reminiscent of chopping boards and Keiko Mukaide’s large glass fronds holding spice like nectar would enliven any kitchen.
In terms of art feeding the mind, this is a small snack that’s just enough until it’s time to eat. (Isabella Weir)
I The Commissary, 555 6655. until 24 Aug, free. Untitled by Hendrik Jonas DESIGN SCULPTURE
MUST END FRIDAY SCHOOL OF SCULPTURE EXHIBITION
S||Ck bUt smug des'gn 0.. Showcase of student sculpture COO
* * * * * * . Six bright pink inflatable tubes sit in the space. it's a very tactile piece. longing to be prodded and squeezed.
But then it becomes apparent. The sculpture has been cast from lurid pink wax. Catriona McCarthy's " Untitled, Pink Wax has its obvious associations with the work of Rachel Whiteread. but it is fun and engaging v * * * * * * nonetheless. McCarthy is one of five artists from Edinburgh College of Art's school of sculpture who feature .- ' in this annual student selection. In Penny Bateman's work. Harrington Rods. Burst Stitches the artist deconstructs two chairs. TWisted
‘ * * * wood pinned together by metal braces transform the chairs original function for comfort into a ()DJOCI of pain. in the other piece. the padding begins to show as heavy stitches collapse under the strain. There is _ ‘ . . . . something very menacing and macabre about them. Equally menacing is Emma Henderson's Clianilmred.
* The shack-like structure made up from concrete panels and rust-coloured girders dominates the space. i ' Inside the chamber. layers of wallpaper flake away from the walls, almost as though you are uncovering a
hidden past, leaving you with an unnerVing sense of discomfort. (Helen Monaghani Girl with flowers, 2002 I Point Hotel, 227 5555. until 26 Aug, free.
There's an ongoing debate that has kept folk guessing since time began. That old chestnut: what is art? It's a tricky question and never more so than in our current times where advertising has provided a $0urce of great creativity. The problem being that it is relentlessly trying to sell a product and latterly, as Naomi Klein has spelled out. a lifestyle. And art's not about that . . . is it?
Such is the stickiness With London-based design collective Airside and Fred Deakin's exhibition. Must End Friday. Deakin is probably best known in these parts for his design work on flyers and posters for the club Going Places.
Moving to London, Deakin helped form Airside. gaining commissions from Time Out. The Face and record labels. Selections of these are exhibited here, together With the work of other Airside designers. The cool. clean, flat prints are slick and seductive. It's very Y2K. ironic and consciously funny — around the room are South Park-esque key rings for sale entitled ‘Failed dot com empl0yee'. And that‘s when it hits you. it's like being in a trendy ad agency.
There's a kind of smugness attached. A print of AirSide faces smiles up at you in their hip, untouchable certainty, and the lifestyle on sale becomes clear. It's very well done. but is overbearineg cool. (Ruth Hedges) ~ "
I Merz Gallery. 558 8778. until 26 Aug, free. Untitled, Pink Wax by Catriona Mccaflhy
if) I)? Aug 9001) THE LIST FESTIVAL GUIDE 69