Published: 02/11/2023
VISIT TO MILTON KEYNES GALLERY
I have always enjoyed exhibitions at Milton Keynes Gallery. They are invariably well curated and thought provoking. The current exhibition does not disappoint. It is “Beyond the Page" - South Asian Miniature Painting and Britain, 1600 to Now. Exquisite miniature paintings from the Mughal period are displayed alongside more recent works, showing how more recent artists have been inspired by them. Some of the more contemporary work extends into film, sculpture and digital creations. The exhibition also brings out the ways British and European art and South Asian art have a long tradition of influencing each other.
Contemporary artists can be seen to rediscover, build on or subvert previous works and approaches, giving them a new political or social perspective. By way of an example of this, “Because You’re Worth It II” by the Singh Twins is in the form of a digital dyed fabric light box and attacks consumerism. It uses the traditional convention of an animal made up of other creatures. In this case, the animal is an elephant made up of brand logos and domestic products.
The Gallery has brought together works from a number of other galleries and collections. The exhibition runs until 28 January 2024.
Rob Bollington
