New Yorkers struggle to get the joke as British satirist exports her unlikely images across the pond
Colin Blackstock in New York
Saturday October 23, 2004
The Guardian
It seems Americans like nothing more than seeing the Queen on the throne, but when it comes to George Bush sitting on his, they are altogether more squeamish.
Whether it's the political climate within which they live - just under two weeks before election day - or whether Alison Jackson's art is just a little too close to the truth, one thing is clear; they might get the joke, but not all of them like it.
Jackson's first US solo show, entitled Election Year 2004, opened in New York on Thursday night showing a selection of new, and some not-so-new images for which she has become known. The grainy pieces, reminiscent of snatched paparazzi photographs show politicians, royalty and celebrities usually in compromising positions, yet ones that are not so far removed from reality that at first glance they might be real.
However, all is not what it seems: Jackson uses look-alikes to portray all the celebrities and public figures. Visitors to her show yesterday were treated to Elton John being given an enema, a rather bored looking Mick Jagger hanging lacy black underwear next to a toddler's outfit on a suburban washing line, and the Queen sitting on the toilet reading a newspaper.
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http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,12271,1334352,00.htmlBritish satire: for all those who take themselves too seriously....
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