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
Review
Comments
So great to discover someone with unique thoughts on this subject matter.
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