“Go to Hell or Atlanta, Whichever Comes First,” is the first of two exhibitions by American artist Kara Walker at Victoria Miro gallery in London. Walker, known for her provocative themes that explore racial and gender tensions, constantly draws from history to take an in-depth look at these issues. In this show she drew inspiration from the southern American city, where she spent some of her adolescence, and creates a narrative that addresses how Colonialism, slavery, and oppression affects identity.
A large cut-out paper mural and large-scale photographic wallpaper done in collaboration with filmmaker Ari Marcopoulos serves as the centerpiece for “Go to Hell or Atlanta, Whichever Comes First,” both referencing the controversial Stone Mountain in Georgia. Walker contrasts these works with pieces that reference the stereotypical association with “Four Idioms on Negro Art” being “Folk Art, Graffiti and Primitivism” compared to the “Four Desires: Conceptual Art Practice, Fine Art, Technical Mastery and Mind Boggling Scale.” Victoria Miro gallery will also release a publication of a conversation between Walker and Marcopoulos, as well as text by Hilton Als.
40 Acres of Mules2015
“Go to Hell or Atlanta, Whichever Comes First” is on view through November 7.
Charcoal on paper
