British Art Show: In The Days Of The Comet

I took a wonder down to Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art (or GoMA as it's known to its chums) yesterday afternoon to have a look at some of the work installed there as part of the British Art Show. Launched late last year in Nottingham, this is the seventh British Art Show and this year the exhibition, famous for its cutting-edge approach and influence, will also travel to London and Glasgow before finishing its jaunt around the UK in Plymouth.

In the Days of the Comet is probably a reference to the 1906 science fiction novel of the same name by H. G. Wells in which the vapors of a comet are used as a device which transforms perspectives and attitudes. BAS7 certainly challenges our perspectives by encouraging us to question how art exists and evolves over time, like a comet, art does not follow a pre-destined path.

I admit that I'm no art expert, but I know what I like and I'm open-minded to anything that captures my interest and imagination. I can also be drawn in with a good title - I was intrigued to see Brian Griffiths' work ' The Body and Ground (or Your Lovely Smile)'. It's a huge teddy bear head made out of what appears to be an orange parachute. Truth be told it's 'Lovely Smile' looks a little ominous, certainly grabs your attention though - I wonder where its body is?

Set amongst the paintings, photographs and, in true contemporary art style, a female mannequin in a large glass box battling a snake with a stick, Haroon Mirza's beating installation called me over. Combining a record player, table, speaker and strobe light, the installation 'Regaining a Degree of Control' uses previously unseen footage of Ian Curtis of Joy Division fame. Strobe lighting triggers movement and sound, very interesting considering Curtis's experience of epilepsy - the song 'She's Lost Control' details this condition 'Confusion in her eyes, that says it all... she gave away the secrets of her past'.

GoMA also has a selection of paintings and drawings by Glaswegian artist and writer, Alasdair Gray. I'm currently working my way through his novel Lanark so it was interesting to see his illustrations too.

The British Art Show is certainly worth a visit, Glasgow's Tramway and Centre for Contemporary Art are also hosting BAS7 exhibitions until August 21.