All That Is Solid Melts Into Air
The Jeremy Deller exhibition
The exhibition took place at Manchester Art Gallery; the work has been collected over a long period of time by Jeremy Deller. He explores the material we still have that is connected to the industrial revolution and those of today, showing a link between the industrial revolution and modern day life. The exhibition consisted of historical paintings, old journals, memorabilia, music, banners, objects and films. I found myself looking at what I consider some fantastic work, with other pieces not so interesting, but that is down to personal opinion. Overall, it is an eye opening experience for the viewer.
I found myself attached to the first opening painting, ‘The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah’ painted by John Martin in 1852. The painting looks as if it is 'hell' due to the fire and people running away from the flames, but really the painting shows the country changing due to the industrial revolution.
There was one piece of work that I particularly found fascinating; an old vintage jukebox which was free for the viewer to pick and play songs. The jukebox featured industrial sounds such as working men, glass breaking and sounds from the working mills, as well as folk music. Behind the jukebox was a painting of an explosion which I feel represents the 'big bang' of the industrial revolution. It reminded me of Martin's painting as both pieces of work display an emotional attachment to the industrial revolution even though they are different; one a piece of artwork, the other a machinery device with music. They both equally demonstrate their views about the hard times of the industrial revolution and the lives which were affected.
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