Rachel Maclean: The Lion and The Unicorn


Funny video installation at the National Gallery by Rachel Maclean looking at the relationship between England and Scotland.

I loved the way the room was set up like a grand theatre with red and blue drapes and comfortable pouffes. The film lasted about 15 minutes so it was easy to wait for the beginning and watch it in full. You know my usual moans about long video art!

The film featured real recordings of the Queen being mimed by Maclean in a wonderful, lavish comic costume. It was odd to see this strange figure speaking with such a familiar voice. The two countries were then represented by the lion and unicorn of the title, based on an interview of Alex Salmon (Unicorn) by Jeremy Paxman (a very suave lion). Again there were lovely lavish costumes and the comedy figures emphasised the difference in the two characters.

It’s rare that a video installation makes me laugh but I did laugh out loud at this one and yet it was also making very valid and interesting points.

Closes 3 February 2019

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Comments

Anonymous said…
You're so interesting! I do not suppose I've read anything like that before.
So great to discover someone with unique thoughts on this subject matter.
Really.. many thanks for starting this up. This website is one
thing that is needed on the web, someone with a bit of originality!
04 February, 2019
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