Brothers And Sisters Of The Pale Forest
The Sunday Age
Sunday February 24, 2008
Utopian Slumps, 25 Easey St, Collingwood. February 29 to March 22. Fri-Sat noon-6pm. utopianslumps.org
Jim Morrison was interested in tension: the government versus the anti-war movement, destruction versus creation, drugs versus his sanity. His alter ego, the "Lizard King", expressed these ideas on the Doors' Absolutely Live (1970). He talked about "children of the night" (aka "brothers and sisters of the pale forest"), later saying the thought gave him "a sort of gloomy feeling. Like of someone not quite at home, or not quite relaxed. Aware of a lot of things, but not quite sure of anything". In this show, Belle Bassin and Alasdair McLuckie explore that mood, outing themselves as mythical lizard acolytes. Extending Morrison's idea about a "secret aspect of reality" and the tension behind any creative act, Bassin creates altar-like structures, referencing aliens and ancient civilisations. McLuckie's work is inspired by primitive art, dredged-up rituals and folk art's obsessive patterning. They (and the lizard) invite you to the palace of loose exile.
© 2008 The Sunday Age
