The latest exhibition from Edinburgh’s Fruitmarket Gallery takes as its subject the dreamlike Galapagos Islands, rich in zoological and natural wonders, it’s the place where Mr Darwin honed his theory of natural selection and Evolution. Curated by Bergit Arends and Greg Hilty, in collaboration with a number of galleries and foundations from across the UK, Portugal and the Galapagos islands themselves, the exhibitions brings together the eclectic work of artists who all took part in a residency programme created by the Galapagos Conservation Trust between the years 2006-2011.
There are eleven artists in total taking part in the exhibition, with work ranging across video installation, photography, sculpture and drawing, amongst others. The artist’s engages with the Galapagos in different ways. Some respond to the islands in a literal, reactionary fashion, whilst others use them merely as a jumping off point to explore wider themes.
One of the more striking works in the show is the installation piece Blue Footed Booby by Marcus Coats. Split over nine black TV sets the viewer watches as a life size cardboard bird, the blue footed booby of the title which is native to the Galapagos, proceeds to walk around the towns and villages of the islands musing philosophically on the nature of man. It’s a surreal piece with a charming comic flare to it, but beneath the goofy visuals Coates is engaging with some important environmental themes: Is man too far removed from nature in its present state? How would we be able to survive without our use of technology if the earth returned to its primordial state?
Baltra (2010), a photographic essay by the Portuguese artist Paulo Catrica offers a more human look at the islands. Catrica takes as his subject the ramshackle architecture of the town and villages that have sprung up on the island over the years, encroaching on the natural wonders. Rooted in social commentary the photographs feature almost no human activity. The silent streets, colourful houses and pale blue skies generate a beautiful visual aesthetic and Catrica shoots them with an eye for a striking minimalist composition.
The strongest work from Galapagos comes courtesy of the collective Semiconductor who occupy the back section of the upstairs gallery. Set over three vast screens their installation World’s in the Making is a hypnotic piece featuring live action volcanoes spewing out ash and cloud in twisted shapes and animated sequences inspired by seismic data. You’ll be rooted to the spot, trust me. It’s a gorgeous,bewitching film that draws you in and doesn’t let go.
Galapagos’ is an accomplished show and is well curated The works by the individual artists stand strong on their own but flow well together as well. For example Dorothy Cross’s giant whale skeleton sits perfectly at ease with Alexis Deacon’s intimate drawings and comic strips.
Galapagos, The Fruitmarket Gallery Edinburgh, until 13 Jan 2013. Free Entry.
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