Sophia Al-Maria and Lydia Ourahmane Examine England's Myths at Spike Island

At Spike Island in Bristol, the exhibition 'Grey Unpleasant Land' showcases the collaborative efforts of artists Sophia Al-Maria and Lydia Ourahmane, who delve into the national myths of England. Through a mix of historical artifacts, speculative storytelling, and legal concepts, the exhibition addresses issues of inheritance, ownership, and belonging from the viewpoint of immigrants to the UK. Notable pieces include 'Job Lot (late 1700s/2024)' and 'Silver Service (1774/2024)', a diptych featuring 240 chamber pots from Graham Randles, whose family owns a Liverpool pub, and George III silver from Sir William Bellingham, stored in NatWest vaults. This diptych is set for auction in 2025. 'Birthright (2024)' questions the legitimacy of rulers with a Scottish sandstone pallet linked to the Stone of Scone. 'A Blessing and a Betrayal (2024)' reinterprets the tale of Esau and Jacob through AI-generated text. 'Framing Device I' includes display fittings for the Wilton Diptych (c. 1395–1399), acquired by the National Gallery in 1929. 'Fly Tip (2024)' features discarded items found in Bristol, while 'Curtain (2024)' retrieves a red velvet drape from a Belgravia mews. On 14 September 2024, the artists placed an ad in The Spectator Magazine inviting landed gentry to donate land to nobody, raising legal questions. The exhibition is ongoing at Spike Island, Bristol.