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Artists are facing up to science fiction facts
by Elizabeth Kerfoot16/ 3/2007
IT'S no secret that American science fiction of the '50s and
'60s was created as a way of coping with changes in the American
way of life - the effects of rapid modernisation and the Cold
War.
Science fiction films and literature of that era included worries
over invasion, anxiety about the future, fear of change and the
idea that outsiders threatened the happy status quo.
Since those days, countless artists, writers and film-makers have
used science-fiction and alien characters to explore human racial
differences, as the world morphed into the 21st century global
village.
A new exhibition, Alien Nation, opening at Manchester Art Gallery
tomorrow (Saturday), presents the work of 12 international
contemporary artists who use their work to explore the theme of
`the outsider' through racial differences, playing with the idea of
the exotic `other'.
All of the artists involved in Alien Nation adopt a new slant on
traditional sci-fi language and iconography.
Expect quirky, thought-provoking works of film, sculpture,
photography, multi-media installation and 3D painting, aiming to
expose the disturbing thought that the British media has instilled
a deep-seated terror of invasion by immigrants and a fundamental
mistrust of asylum-seekers.
Highlights include Laylah Ali's cartoon drawings of bizarre
half-human/half-alien creatures in an unfamiliar world; Marepe's
galaxy of shiny, brightly-coloured aliens created from Christmas
baubles; and Hew Locke's collage sculpture of a metropolis under
attack.
Don't miss the poster gallery, which charts the development of
sci-fi film poster art from the 1950s to the present.
Striking a balance between science fiction with science fact, Alien
Nation promises a light-hearted look at an emerging strand of
contemporary culture, along with encouraging us to examine our
innermost fears and fantasies about the outsider.
John Gill, curator of Alien Nation, said: "The exhibition has been
on the boil for three years. Some of the works have been created
especially for Alien Nation. Others have been exhibited elsewhere,
including at London's ICA."
What are the highlights?
"There's a fantastic 10 metre-long mural and some amazing
installations featuring all sorts of toy armour.
"One of the artists was nominated for the Turner Prize. Also the
film posters are brilliant."
Kids will love the bright colours, wacky images and interactive
elements of the exhibition.
The gallery is hosting a series of hands-on family events during
early April to encourage children to have fun exploring the works
and create some extra-terrestrial inspired art of their own.
John Gill explained: "I remember being terrified of and fascinated
by sci-fi as a child.
"It made a huge impression on me. I think modern children will
enjoy the exhibition and learn a lot."
Alien Nation, at Manchester Art Gallery, opens tomorrow.
Admission is free.
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