Ricky Swallow
The Exact Dimensions of Staying Behind
2004-05 / Laminated Lime Wood / Collection of Mr. Ebrahim Melamed / Honart Museum, Tehran, Iran
The phenomenon described as goth / gothic exists in various cultural fields including music, fashion, movies and literatures. It originally referred to a style of art in Europe in the Middle Ages, however, today it functions as a term indicative of a certain lifestyle. Body modifications, such as tattooing or piercing, and a focus upon death and illness are not merely a matter of taste, but instead are an expression of the self trying to stand up against a conservative world. The exhibition introduces goth / gothic in contemporary art through approximately 250 works, including sculpture, painting, video, and photography by 6 internationally active artists. Works by these highly respected artists will provide us with the opportunity to think afresh about the nature of goth / gothic, which resonates especially with a young generation.