COVERING THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL SINCE 1996
I Heart Scotland – An Exhibition by Rachel Maclean (Edinburgh Printmakers)
Union Jacks and Saltires plaster the walls, skeletons in kilts dance a jig, and Alex Salmond faces off against David Cameron. ECA alumnus Rachel Maclean is exploring what it means to be Scottish and this exhibition tackles the current war of national identity being waged in Scotland and the UK head-on. Maclean’s short film – the highlight – references Cindy Sherman, with the artist donning disguises to play all of her pantomime-like characters. Garish, surreal and gory scenes line the walls and there’s a lot going on in this small space, which does render proceedings occasionally rather oppressive. This exhibition offers an interesting insight into Scotland’s complex political problems, but is perhaps a bit clumsy in its methods.
Edinburgh Printmakers, until 1 Sep (not 12, 19, 26), 10.00am.
tw rating 3/5 | [Sophie Nicoll]
