25/3/2011
Doug Jones
mac, Birmingham
Alieni Iuris (From somebody else's authority). Artist's new mixed-media exhibition at mac is infused with a playful contemplation of covert ritual, and the relationship between the social and the spiritual.
curated by Indra Khanna
Doug Jones’ new mixed-media exhibition at mac is infused with a playful contemplation of
covert ritual, and the relationship between the social and the spiritual.
In the sculptural installation Inservi Deo et Laetare (Serve God and be Cheerful) the artist
introduces us to the remarkable lives of the fictional Brotherhood of Saints, supposedly
founded in 1573 by Zadak Nathan Solomon Jones. The Saints are both mysterious and
ridiculous, exploring serious issues such as drug abuse and gay rights through Jones’
trademark dark humour. Their robes are individually embroidered with symbols which relate
to their own bizarre narratives; nude angels, death’s head skulls, and the square and
compass all make an appearance. Some indicate a coalescence of spirituality and
sexuality, some the tension between individualism and community.
Through the unlikely media of ceramics and cross stitch, Jones also astutely examines many
of the key social and political issues of our time, such as gender, sexuality, class and
economics. A central feature of Jones’ exhibition at mac is the installation Coena Pro Viginta
(Dinner for Twenty). The installation makes use of mass produced commemorative ceramics,
which, once treasured, can now be found neglected in car boot sales and dusty attics. In
this way, Jones engages with issues of value and exchange.
These themes are continued in his cross stitch works, which emphasise the domestic focus of
his practice. Through the laborious embroidery process Jones highlights the difference
between the time, skill and labour invested in the production of such items, and their
monetary worth.
Exhibition curator Indra Khanna remarked:
Jones is prolific artist who hungrily consumes a wide range of influences from both high and
low culture... Don't let the toilet humour distract you from the seriousness of his themes - it's
whistling in the dark. We will ourselves be taking the places of the departed guests at the
next serving, or donning the robes of his hollow Saints.
Doug Jones will be giving an illustrated talk on his work on Thu 5 May, 7.30pm.
Curator Indra Khanna will be giving a free public tour of the exhibition in the gallery on Sat 16
April, 2pm.
Press contacts:
Katie Reid (Marketing Manager) katie.reid@macarts.co.uk / 0121 446 3238
Sophie Paton (Communications Assistant) sophie.paton@macarts.co.uk / 0121 446 3237
Opening on sat 26 march 2011
mac
Cannon Hill Park - Birmingham
Open Tuesday – Saturday, noon – 8pm Sunday 11am – 4pm. Closed Monday except for bank holidays.
Admission free