In pictures: Chapman brothers at the Serpentine
- Published
Brothers Jake (l) and Dinos Chapman's new Serpentine exhibition, Come and See, runs concurrently with Egyptian artist Wael Shawky's show. The pair use models in their work, including life-size Ku Klux Klan mannequins, which appear around the gallery space, peering at exhibits and wearing rainbow-striped socks.
Egyptian artist Wael Shawky is staging his first major London show at the Serpentine Gallery. This collection of his ceramic marionettes feature in his film The Path to Cairo. He uses fact and fiction to explore themes in history and culture.
Shawky uses puppets in his films which re-enact the historical events of the Crusades. His latest film, Al Araba Al Madfuna II, will be shown for the first time at the Serpentine.
The Chapman brothers are renowned for their controversial and often grotesque models and depictions in a variety of media. The Guardian's Adrian Searle said of the exhibition that "real shock lies elsewhere, outside the gallery", and that the pair are "no longer the enfants terrible that they perhaps once were".
The Chapmans use puppetry and models, like Shawky, to represent stories and myths, which is why their work is appearing together at the Serpentine. Fisun Guner, in a review for The Arts Desk, said the British brothers' work is not "tastefully restrained" but is "well executed".
Mannequins dressed as Ku Klux Klan are dotted throughout the Chapmans' exhibition, which also includes screenings of their unfinished 2010 film The Organ Grinder's Monkey, featuring 007 star Daniel Craig clad in a gorilla suit.
Shawky will also present a number of new drawings and flags as part of his major London debut. Both of the new exhibitions will take place at the Serpentine Gallery from 29 November until 9 February.
- Published4 April 2013
- Published14 August 2012