Art Lecturer's return volley as "article" becomes "art"
6th May 2009
Patrick Brill, a Senior Lecturer on the BA Fine Art course at The Cass (The Sir John Cass Department of Art, Media and Design) has created a new large scale artwork using text by a Guardian journalist. Last year, the newspaper’s tennis writer Steve Brierley became an art critic for the day, as part of a project which saw various journalists changing roles.
Patrick, who works under the pseudonym ‘Bob and Roberta Smith’ was so inspired by Steve’s article, he turned it (with Steve’s permission) into a huge painting. The work will be on show in a ‘one painting exhibition’ at the Grey gallery during this year’s Edinburgh Festival.
Talking about the work, Patrick said: 'You could read it through, as it appeared in The Guardian, or you could pick up particular words or phrases..."It should have carried a health warning", "This woman is deeply dangerous" - almost like a sign, or like a horror film credit.'
He explained why he chose the article: 'I thought almost immediately that this would be a great picture because it's about discovering something, about discovering art.'
Click here for the full story about the Bob and Roberta Smith take on the Steve Brierley.
The Guardian newspaper is also offering readers the chance to have their 25 word review of an art exhibition that ‘changed their life’ given the Brill treatment. The most inspiring submission, as chosen by Bob and Roberta Smith, will receive an original coloured ink drawing based on their text. Click here for the competition terms and conditions.
Michael Upton, Academic Leader at The Cass said,'I don’t see what the fuss is about. It’s that age old story- art imitating tennis writer imitating art critic.'