Mel Brimfield's Tragicomic Pygmalion Myth Exploration at Ceri Hand Gallery
In October 2012, Mel Brimfield showcased multimedia pieces exploring the relationship between artist and muse at Ceri Hand's gallery in London. This exhibition merged elements of high art with light entertainment to challenge modernist icons. Among the highlights was drag artist Dickie Beau, who portrayed Jackson Pollock in 'Jackson (After Ed Harris)' (2012), delivering a 20-minute script penned by Tony Green. Beau also took on the role of Vincent van Gogh in 'Vincent (After Kirk Douglas)' (2012). Regular contributors included Joanna Neary and Tony Green, with Neary depicting a Home Counties iteration of Krasner in 'Clement Greenberg – Lee Krasner = Jackson Pollock' (2011). Brimfield's work examines cultural identities, addressing vulnerability through theatricality and musical compositions.
Key facts
- Mel Brimfield exhibited at Ceri Hand's new London space in October 2012
- Works explore the Pygmalion myth and artist/muse dynamics through performance
- Features drag performer Dickie Beau channeling Jackson Pollock and Vincent van Gogh
- Tony Green voices scripts from biopics 'Pollock' (2000) and 'Lust for Life' (1956)
- Includes 'Clement Greenberg – Lee Krasner = Jackson Pollock' (2011) with Joanna Neary
- Brimfield blends high-art and light-entertainment sensibilities
- Works reference Ed Harris, Kirk Douglas, Cindy Sherman, and Alan Bennett
- Exhibition examines clichés of male and female cultural personas in art history
Entities
Artists
- Mel Brimfield
- Jackson Pollock
- Vincent van Gogh
- Lee Krasner
- Dickie Beau
- Joanna Neary
- Tony Green
- Ed Harris
- Kirk Douglas
- Cindy Sherman
- Alan Bennett
- Picasso
- Gwyneth Herbert
- Tippi Hedren
- John McEnroe
- Pee-wee Herman
Institutions
- Ceri Hand
- ArtReview
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom