Parades and processions. Here comes everybody

Parades & Processions features works by twelve UK-based and international artists (including Turner Prize winner, Jeremy Deller) who take their inspiration from the traditional meanings of ‘parades’ and ‘processions’, creating works that epitomise the social and political context of our time.

The resulting works, ranging from sculpture to installation, films and videos, are powerful forms of expression that address issues of history, culture, identity and politics. They also highlight the recent and increasing phenomenon in our society of holding parades and processions. This exhibition shows a selection of works by contemporary artists who see in these themes considerable possibilities for expression.

In their quest to create new ways to express themselves, these artists have benefited greatly from the efforts of those artists who in the 1960s and early 1970s, liberated art from the museum walls and placed it in the midst of society and public spaces in the form of happenings and performances.

This type of ‘mass activity’ has become the perfect vehicle for communication and solidarity, and also raises questions about sociological and behavioural phenomena of our time, such as the increased surge in urban life, group selection, self-expression and the marked focus on the body.

Published on the occasion of the exhibition at Parasol unit, London, May – July 2009.