Winner of the Hayward Touring Curatorial Open 2017, Shonky is an examination of a tendency not previously identified in art. Curated by artist John Walter, this exhibition brings together international artists and architects to explore the nature of visual awkwardness. As an artist whose own practice is founded on irreverence and humour, Walter is well placed to define a theory of art that concentrates on work that is hand-made but not well crafted, that defies good taste and orderliness. He does this persuasively here, ...
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Winner of the Hayward Touring Curatorial Open 2017, Shonky is an examination of a tendency not previously identified in art. Curated by artist John Walter, this exhibition brings together international artists and architects to explore the nature of visual awkwardness. As an artist whose own practice is founded on irreverence and humour, Walter is well placed to define a theory of art that concentrates on work that is hand-made but not well crafted, that defies good taste and orderliness. He does this persuasively here, helped by the bright, awkward and exuberant works that illustrate his text. Showing us 'shonkiness' in writing, novelists Zo??? Strachan and Louise Welsh contribute a letter from their retreat in Scotland, while 'The Shonky Test' provides a quick primer for those who wish to find out where 'shonkiness' in art might be found.
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