Brexit artwork on show at the Salon des Refusés
Chris Williamson
When Chris was asked to work with Andrew Weston for group projects at Leicester School of Architecture (for no other reason than they were next to each other alphabetically) they both realised that their skills dovetailed perfectly. They particularly bonded on environmental issues during the energy crisis in the mid 1970s which alerted the world to the need to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. Their shared ambition made for a perfect business partnership and Weston Williamson was formed in 1985 after gaining valuable experience in the offices of Richard Rogers and Michael Hopkins.
Chris Williamson’s commentary on the UK’s exit from the European Union in sculptural form, is on show at the Salon des Refusés Exhibition, at the Joseph Wales Studios in Margate from July 25 to August 8.
In the tradition of the 19th century Parisian Salon des Refusés, the exhibition features works previously refused by the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition; over 100 artworks that were missed, unappreciated, misunderstood or sacrificed at the last minute by the RA selection committee earlier this year.
Chris says: “My sculpture is a commentary on contemporary British politics inspired by the quote attributed to Lyndon Johnson about J Edgar Hoover, Better to have him inside the tent pissing out, than outside pissing in."
Eleven Manneken Pis statuettes (the symbol of Brussels) are painted yellow and set facing outwards in a blue circle evoking the EU flag. The twelfth white statuette represents Boris Johnson, with his shock of yellow hair, but he is facing in.
“The work is deliberately confrontational, shocking and humorous” says Chris, “but it tackles a very serious issue, one which has been dividing the country for years.”
Visitors are invited to vote for their favourite works with winners announced at the exhibition’s finale.
Salon des Refusés Exhibition coordinated by Happenstance Art and Framing Joseph Wales Studios, 2 Dane Hill, Margate
July 25 – August 8 2019. Opening times Wednesday to Sunday, 12-6pm Admission is free
Chris Williamson
When Chris was asked to work with Andrew Weston for group projects at Leicester School of Architecture (for no other reason than they were next to each other alphabetically) they both realised that their skills dovetailed perfectly. They particularly bonded on environmental issues during the energy crisis in the mid 1970s which alerted the world to the need to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. Their shared ambition made for a perfect business partnership and Weston Williamson was formed in 1985 after gaining valuable experience in the offices of Richard Rogers and Michael Hopkins.