Derek Boshier: Rethink/Re-entry – Works of the 1970s/Recent films & collages at Flowers Cork Street this autumn
//The Dance, from the series News From The Metropolis, Derek Boshier, 2014. Ink and collage on paper//
//From Best Foot Forward, Derek Boshier, 2014. Film//
To coincide with the publication of the Derek Boshier monograph Rethink/Re-entry, writer/curator Guy Brett and I are putting together an exhibition of the same name which will be held at Flowers Gallery in Cork Street, Central London this autumn.
The show focuses on Boshier’s output in the 1970s when he had foresworn painting in favour of alternative means of expression, including assemblages, collage, drawing, film, photography and print-making.
Towards the end of the decade Boshier engaged with popular music via collaborations with The Clash and David Bowie, and was also the curator of the controversial Hayward Gallery group exhibition Lives: An Exhibition Of Artists Whose Work Is Based On Other Peoples’ Lives. The 22 contributors included Guy Brett, Barney Bubbles (who also designed the catalogue, poster and PV invite), David Hockney, Steve Johnston, RB Kitaj and Posy Simmonds.
//From CLASH 2nd Songbook, Wise Publications, 1979//
//From the catalogue for Lives: An exhibition of artists whose work is based on other peoples’ lives, Arts Council Of Great Britain, 1979//
//Sketch for Lodger, 1979. Ink on paper//
To demonstrate the line from that body of work to Derek’s current activities, the exhibition also includes three of his recent filmworks and the collage series News From The Metropolis. These hybridised erotic figures draw together fragmented images of the body from fashion magazines, department store underwear catalogues and pornographic magazines.
Along with the publication of the monograph, the exhibition aims to highlight Derek’s important, though until now sorely overlooked, contribution to the development of contemporary British art practice.
More details of the show at Flowers website here.
View the press release here.