IWM Contemporary: Hew Locke

Interesting exhibition at the Imperial War Museum of work by contemporary artist Hew Locke on the subject of conflict.

In particular he looks at naval power including trade, travel and cultural exchange. I loved Ghost Ship which was a model of a war ship floating in a glass case with skulls on chins hanging down from it. The way it sat in the case had a feeling of Damian Hurst’s shark about it. The write up said his floating ships are influenced by the votive ships found in churches donated in thanks for successful and safe journeys.

One wall was taken up by a great picture of another battleship with ferrymen rowing it. It was made up of great length of plastic beads some forming the pictures and some just hanging down. It looked very tactile!

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