Mark Wallinger, Time and Relative Dimensions in Space, 2001, Stainless steel, MDF, electric light. Pic © the artist 2008, courtesy Anthony Reynolds Gallery
Exhibition Preview: Mark Wallinger Curates – The Russian Linesman, The Hayward, Southbank Centre, London, February 18 – May 4 2009
It’s not entirely clear how the Russian Linesman who allowed Geoff Hurst’s crucial disputed goal in the 1966 World Cup final has inspired this exhibition, but it’s a fair bet that the series of “special insights” into Mark Wallinger’s thought process and interests will be a creative spectacle.
Wallinger did, after all, win the Turner Prize for re-enacting a war protest which spanned the length of the Tate, not to mention wandering around a German gallery for several hours dressed as a bear.
All manner of boundaries which have affected Wallinger during the past 25 years inform the show, exploring blurred perceptions in our thinking and the lines between fact and fiction.
Renato Giuseppe Bertelli, Continuous Profile (Head of Mussolini), 1933. Pic © Renato Bertelli 2008
Time and Relative Dimensions in Space, a life-sized version of the Tardis, first appeared at the Venice Biennale, and A Dead Soldier is a painting which was originally attributed to Velasquez and inspired Manet.
Thomas Demand’s Poll 2001 glimpses inside a polling station during the infamous Florida recount, Tacita Dean follows technicians mimicking everyday sounds, and there are early Roman busts, photographs and 18th century paintings.
“Wallinger’s work is renowned for its probing content,” observes Ralph Rugoff, Director of The Hayward.
“The Russian Linesman is an opportunity for Mark to channel this inquisitiveness into organising an exhibition that brings together contemporary and historical works by other artists that have either influenced him or share his interests, as well as an intriguing mix of objects from such diverse fields as science, politics and anthropology.”
Mark Wallinger will be in conversation with John Wilson at the Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room on February 24th between 7pm-8.30pm. A range of lectures take place between February 18 and March 1 at 1pm Monday-Thursday, 7pm on Fridays and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Call 0871 663 2519.
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