Cathy's Art Diary

Exhibition at Somerset House about the cultural heritage of the Rudeboy phenomenon born in Jamaica and revived with 2 Tone. The main point of the show were some amazing portraits photos by Dean Chalkley of modern Rudeboys displayed in large format round the walls and in the first room within the lids of old suitcases. In the second room there were outfits up the middle of the room and a set of objects by Kitty Farrow presenting grooming accessories. In the final room there was a working barbers shop! I found this all fascinating but was not sure by the end I actually knew what a Rudeboy was. The definition given by the show was “Visual commentators expressing attitude, individuality and integrity through personal style and mind set”. I’m not sure that helps. However it was visually stunning so who cares!

Interesting exhibition by the ICA at the Old Selfridges Hotel which looked at the period between the end of Punk and the present day and examing what emerging artists have in common with their cultural forebears. Each contributor, including shops, designers, magazine, clubs and lots more, presented a 4x2 foot flat display case which they felt represented them and their work. It was a fascinating look at an era however I did realize how little I know of subculture and that possibly I’ve reached an age when I don’t want to join in! The most interesting thing was the space in which the exhibition was housed as it was the gutted first floor of the Old Selfridge Hotel and was therefore a wonderful mix of a warehouse type space but with a few features left in place. A super view of an abandoned space! Reviews Independent Evening Standard