Picture © Gerry Judah
Exhibition: Country, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Wolverhampton, until June 27, 2009
Gerry Judah’s 'Country' exhibition at Wolverhampton Art Gallery explores contemporary global issues through unusual and unique pieces of artwork. From the war in Iraq to the recent Australian Bushfires, Judah encapsulates all of these in his "white on white" abstract paintings.
By using imagery often reported in the media, Judah recreates the familiar, tragic scenes of ruinous settlements. Urban landscapes, constructed from scores of bulidings, complete with internal structures, communication wires and water towers are fixed onto canvas, and then systematically destroyed.
Head of Curatorial Services, Marguertie Nugent, says the series is "both thought-provoking and provocative. It shows Judah as a contemporary artist," she says. "He's reacting to current international politics and environmental affairs."
During the past 20 years, Judah has built a reputation for innovative designs for films, television, theatre, museums and spectacular public installations.
As if situated on some sort of lunar landscape, the dilapidated buildings make for original pieces with an underlining message. Whether the scenes depicted in Country are the result of war or natural disaster, Judah wants to remind us of our vulnerability, and force us to consider solutions.
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