Friday 25 September 2009

The Diary: boyzone; Ryan McGinley; Bonnie Greer;Krzysztof Wodiczko; Ben Bradshaw


Acid test for new Culture Minister
With each new Culture Minister comes a new set of paintings to furnish the office, chosen by the latest incumbent from the vaults of the Government art collection. Ben Bradshaw revealed the names of the six paintings he has just picked to hang on his walls, one of which advise a steathly love of acid house. The screenprint, by the radical Turner Prize winner, Jeremy Deller (best known for his work "Battle of Orgreave", a diversion of a violent clash between police and picketers during the miners' strike in 1984) is called "History of the World" and traces the links between the acid house scene of the late 1980s and traditional brass bands, as well as taking in themes of de-industrialisation, the miners' strike and press hysteria over ecstasy. Effusing over Deller's artwork, Bradshaw said: "This piece says a lot to me. It makes clear the connection between music and politics, which has always been important to me personally, to my political beliefs and musical tastes." He also chose a view of Polpeor Cove on The Lizard in Cornwall, by John Brett, because, "I actually needed a West Country seascape, having spent all my childhood holidays by the sea in Devon".

No comments: