DION KITSON: A VIVID REINTERPRETATION OF BRITISH CULTURE
Ikon Gallery is commemorating its 60th anniversary with a vibrant showcase titled “National Treasures,” featuring compelling new works from Dudley-born artist Dion Kitson.
Dion Kitson’s solo exhibition, “Rue Britannia,” and an audacious off-site project at J.W. Evans Silver Factory, together explore the intricacies of British identity and class through a mix of sculpture, installation, film, and found objects. Known for his incisive commentary and wit, Kitson’s works are both playful and provocative, reflecting everyday life and its mundane realities.
The centrepiece, “Council House of Kitson,” recreates the exterior and interior of his childhood home in Dudley, offering visitors a direct encounter with the artist’s personal and cultural landscape. Complementing this, “Ode to Rubbish Mountain” miniaturizes a notorious local landfill, transforming it into a meticulous model, complete with a 3D-printed engineer figure—a nod to local controversies and community actions.
Kitson’s gallery space at Ikon also features interactive elements like a playable pool table and prints from scratched bus shelter windows, blurring the lines between art and viewer engagement. Iconic elements from popular culture, such as Dorothy’s ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz,” make appearances, enriching the narrative layers of Kitson’s installations.
Silver Lining: A Tribute at J.W. Evans Silver Factory
In a parallel exhibition at the J.W. Evans Silver Factory, Kitson pays homage to Birmingham’s industrial heritage. The site-specific works include innovative silver sculptures placed amongst the factory’s preserved molds and equipment. Highlights include Newton’s cradle made of laughing gas canisters and a Frosty Jack cider bottle cast in metal, each adding a contemporary twist to the historical setting.
Kitson’s off-site installation not only celebrates the past but also dialogues with the present, featuring football memorabilia and other personal tokens that evoke a poignant nostalgia.
Accompanying the exhibition is a fully illustrated publication, the first monograph dedicated to Kitson, featuring a thoughtful essay by comedian Joe Lycett. Exclusive merchandise, including Kitson’s viral Cigarette Scarf and Monster Munch ring, are available for purchase at the Ikon Shop.
The exhibition is supported by English Heritage, The Foundation Foundation, and the Ikon Investment Fund, marking a key chapter in Ikon’s illustrious history.
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