The biggest pyramid scheme of them all – Art Review

‘What’s in it for me?’
by New Display Strategies
17 February – 27 March 2010
Seventeen gallery, Kingsland Rd. London E2 8AA

Beneath a pyramid structure, a video traces the exploitation of the masses in the creation of such prestige icons as Versailles, skyscrapers, and – of course – the pyramids. We hear a quote from the Chicago Tribune that compares such decadent architecture with eating nothing but cake, and we are reminded of the words of Marie Antoinette to this effect.

Behind us is another pyramid structure displaying… cakes. And pretty decadent cakes at that!

A third and final element in the show is another video which apes a Calvin Klein advert. Various ‘artists’ in jeans pose for the camera, while the offscreen voice of the photographer asks them slightly uncomfortable and inappropriate questions. “So, you’re an artist [...] Have you shown internationally? [...] Do you ever make love in a show? etc.

This show runs until 27 March and is highly recommended.

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