Stills

The King’s Peace: Realism and War

1 August – 26 October 2014

Owen Logan’s photo-essay Masquerade: Michael Jackson Alive in Nigeria (2001-2005) follows the exploits of a costumed performer as he travels across the country. The young black soul singer’s transformation into the white ‘king of pop’ is used as an allegory for the conflict-ridden situation in postcolonial Nigeria. With the author Uzor Maxim Uzoatu, Logan presents a biting satire which critiques the relationship between the Nigerian political elite and foreign business interests.  Masquerade is shown at Stills in the context of a group exhibition, which expands upon the work’s central themes by thinking about the meaning of ‘peace’ in modern societies. Co-curated by Logan, the artworks and materials presented raise important questions about how domestic politics and economics across the globe have been shaped by warfare.

Logan uses humour, montage and storytelling to describe circumstances and capture connections that straight documentary depictions miss.  This revitalisation of realist strategies runs throughout the exhibition, which includes works by Adam Broomberg and Oliver Chanarin, Fred Lonidier, Snapcorps with Stuart Platt and Martha Rosler.  Rather than capturing the spectacle of combat or the ghostly aftermath of violence, these realist photographers and filmmakers have been reluctant to show the human drama of war for fear of making it appear natural or eternal. Instead they have examined the fundamental ties between conflict and peace while recognising the crucial role that images play in how societies communicate and comprehend notions of security. In this way they articulate the need for a genuine and democratic peace.

Part of GENERATION, a landmark series of exhibitions celebrating 25 years of contemporary art in Scotland.

Mon-Sun, 11am - 6pm

Free Admission