Summer, 2009, Mixed Media Installation, 12x24ft. 'Omar's Spuriosity Shop' was my critically acclaimed degree show that was seen by, quite literally, thousands of visitors (12,000 over 2 weeks according to D.O.J press release).
The work itself is derived from my uneasy realitionship with my colonial ancesry and my magpie like attraction to 'shiny things'. Hundereds of years of craftsmanship were composited into the making of this installation which also featured over 200 of my own paintings, prints, sculptures and drawings. The artifacts numbered over 2000 in total and filled three car loads (thanks to my parents).
This show is a the residue of my life and my collections. It is a 'wink at the world' and its diversity. It took me just over a week to install and will be re-installed for the prestigious 'RSA New Contemporaries' exhibition in Edinburgh in March 2010.
A scaled down version could be seen at the Embassy Gallery in Edinburgh in September/October 2009. 'Omar's Spuriosity Shop' was featured in; The Scotsman, The Herald, The courier, The Chatterbox, The Skinny, Dundee University Magazine, The list, and was selected by Art World Magazine's choice of the top twenty degree shows in the UK 2009. It is a rebellion against the pseudo-intellectual, conceptual, white-cube minimalism that is oh so a la mode. MAXIMALISM not MINIMALISM. It is for you!
