Dogspace - Bridging the Cultural Divide

Dogspace - crossing the cultural divide

This is an exhibition commissioned by Preston City Council to celebrate Chinese New Year (the year of the dog). Local installation art studio Spacecadets were commissioned to interprete the cultural significance of the Chinese New Year, and create a culturally relevant installation. Spacecadets specialise in inflatable installation pieces which cross cultural boundaries and invite the audience to become part of a larger set-piece.

I liked the way this exhibition transcended cultural and spatial borders: incorporating elements from western and Asian tradition within the context of a Victorian, industrial-age setting. The inflatable dogs provide a metaphor for the juxtaposition between earth and air, and the relationship between man and dog creates a common cultural reference familiar to most people, regardless of cultural background. The dramatic setting perfectly contextualises the struggle within contemporary society to recognise the diverse multi-cultural makeup of the current United Kingdom and its inhabitants. Recognition should be given to Preston CIty Council for trying to stimulate public interest in contextual art, and for celebrating cultural diversity in this way.

Europe / UK-England

Lat: 53° 45' 35.15" N
Long: 3° 42' 49.12" W

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