Alex Hyde's Novel 'Exhibition' Explores Obsession and Class Among YBAs
The second novel by Alex Hyde, titled 'Exhibition,' delves into the profound bond between two female artists hailing from contrasting social classes: Rabble, a photographer from a working-class background, and an unnamed painter from the upper-middle class. Their journey spans from art school in Brixton to various cities, including London, Berlin, Algiers, and New York. Influenced by the 1990s Young British Artists (YBAs) like Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin, Hyde is captivated by the era's boldness and audacity. The narrative tackles issues such as authorship, the ethics of photography, misogyny among women, and desires that defy heteronormative standards. Rather than focusing on romance, Hyde emphasizes alternative forms of care and connection. Published by Granta, 'Exhibition' is now available.
Key facts
- Alex Hyde is associate professor in gender studies and co-director of UCL Gender and Sexuality Studies.
- 'Exhibition' follows two women artists: working-class photographer Rabble and an unnamed upper-middle-class painter.
- The novel is inspired by the Young British Artists (YBAs) of the 1990s.
- YBAs mentioned include Damien Hirst, Sarah Lucas, Christine Borland, and Tracey Emin.
- Hyde drew on Emin's works for source material but states the book is not about Emin.
- Themes include authorship, ethics of photography, white working-classness, and misogyny between women.
- Hyde deliberately avoided a sexual consummation between the two main characters.
- 'Exhibition' is published by Granta and is out now.
Entities
Artists
- Alex Hyde
- Tracey Emin
- Damien Hirst
- Sarah Lucas
- Christine Borland
- Rabble
- Halima Jibril
Institutions
- UCL Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Granta
- AnOther
Locations
- London
- Berlin
- Algiers
- New York
- Brixton
- Birmingham
- United Kingdom