Nicky Carvell
SECURE DECOR 14.12.14 – 31.12.14 http://www.nickycarvell.com/ Nick: 'Ello Phil, your hairs different. Phil: So will your teeth be if you don't keep your mouth shut. – EastEnders,13th November 2000 "Nik, It's Phil Mitchell!" It was 1994 and my best friend Sami skated up to me in Silver Blades, Leisure World. I traversed the rink like Bambi and there he was! Standing the other side of the barrier scowling at us whilst holding a baby. We were laughing so much we got told to leave the ice. Twenty years later, SECURE DECOR regards the phenomenon of the 'East End Tough Guy' in British Pop Culture and how over time this figure has become one of both reassurance and affectionate ridicule. The giant suspended Naff Grafix panels act as metallic room dividers over which Phil keeps Guard. However the 'floating' icons are chained to the ceiling and Phil has been 'cut down to size' through the arbitrary cropping of the photos. Through these visual and material touches of overblown literalism an attitude of assured humour is promoted. This Disused 80's Office on the Isle of Dogs, E14 is now protected by the 'Top Dog' of E10 and everything's gonna be alright. |