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I was lucky to catch this small Rachel Maclean exhibition and screening at the National Gallery, just before it closes on February 3, 2019. I have always been interested in questions of national identity and the projection and perception of stereotypes. I had registered to begin a PhD project at the University of London back in 1980, my topic being "Film and the Projection of National Identity in Scotland". I had been posted to a cultural relations position in Edinburgh, which I never took up as I was suddenly asked to go to Greece instead. My interest in the topic (and the writings of Edwin Muir and Hugh MacDiarmid) never waned. The work of Rachel Maclean would have been a perfect postscript or follow-up for my research project, and for the later Scotland in Sweden arts programme (2002-2003), see below. If the film were to be made today, I wonder if Maclean would select extracts from the speeches and parliamentary interventions of Ian Blackford, MP, leader of the SNPs Westminster Group? His recent 'Brexit History Lesson' would probably have needed no further artistic manipulation, apart from some judicious editing? He certainly ensures that Scotland's (or the SNP's) voice is heard...See also the PMQ Walkout of 13 June, 2018.
"A contemporary exploration of national identity. Coinciding with the exhibition Landseer’s The Monarch of the Glen, this display of Scottish artist Rachel Maclean’s 2012 film ‘The Lion and The Unicorn’ shines an irreverent light on Scottish-English relationships.
One of the most sharply satirical artists in Britain today, Maclean’s (born 1987) caustic and darkly comical films look at how we shape collective and individual identities. Her distinctive style combines gaudy masks, grotesque prostheses, and elaborate scenography.
A counterpoint to Landseer’s iconic image, ‘Rachel Maclean: The Lion and The Unicorn’ reflects Maclean’s engagement with issues of national identity"- National Gallery.
It would make an interesting comparison to look at a Scottish artist (Rachel Maclean) and an Australian artist, Garry Shead, and his famous "Queen" series. Both explore issues of national identity in relationship to Royalty:
https://www.google.com/search?q=Garry+Shead,+Queen+series&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiIta3X9JrgAhVTuHEKHTU0DC0Q7Al6BAgFEA0&biw=1366&bih=626
Projecting Scottish culture overseas- happier times (before the divisive referenda):
Which Scottish personalities (between 2018-2019), have distilled, projected
or best represented the essence of Scottish identity? I would certainly nominate Neil Oliver.
Sadly, I've become rather out of touch.
Sadly, I've become rather out of touch.
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