Two new works by Steve McQueen go on view soon at Thomas Dane Gallery in St James’s. One is an immersive projection with sound entitled Ashes which was shot on Super8 film in Granada with much of the footage dating from 2002 and taken by cinematographer Robbie Müller with recently recorded soundtrack about the sad fate of the subject in the film. The other work is Broken Column, a sculptural installation which “acts as a pendant to Ashes.”
The two part exhibition is the third solo show by McQueen at Thomas Dane and marks the tenth anniversary of his first solo show there as well as the tenth anniversary of the gallery itself.
Following the success of the Academy Award winning 12 Years a Slave which was directed by McQueen, the artist’s return to gallery work promises to draw more visits than usual for Thomas Dane Gallery (especially as it’s kicking off during Frieze week) as well as comparisons to the 2013 film. There are some broad similarities between 12 Years and the new exhibition, namely that both are compelling and well worth experiencing and that with both McQueen holds true to his commitment to “not allow the dust of the past to settle” as he stated in his acceptance speech for the WEB Du Bois Medal at Harvard University earlier this year.
Ashes and Broken Column are on view at both Thomas Dane Gallery locations – 3 Duke Street St James’s (SW1Y 6PY) and 11 Duke Street St James’s (SW1Y 6BN) respectively – from 14 October to 15 November. Find out more at thomasdanegallery.com.
