Jeremy Deller's Procession

Notes is a series of short-form photo-essays on art and thoughts in orbit.

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Notes is a series of short-form photo-essays on art and thoughts in orbit. 〰️

November 2024

Artworks that appropriate working class culture can often feel exploitative especially when it is exhibited in commercial spaces. One exception is the work of Jeremy Deller. His work never appears to be taking the piss or using without giving back. I was reminded of this in November while visiting his 2024 Modern Institute exhibition that re-displayed elements from his 2009 work Procession originally part of a parade he organised for the Manchester International Festival involving numerous communities and performers. Banners from the parade covered the gallery walls and occupying the floor space was a faithful recreation of Valerie’s Snack Bar, located in Manchester’s Bury Market. In its original incarnation, the greasy spoon facsimile was a float in the parade serving patrons as it traveled through Manchester. During the exhibition gallery staff kept an element of this spirit alive by serving tea, coffee and biscuits. Unfortunatly the staff rejected my order for bacon butty.

Jeremy Deller, The Modern Institute, 3 Aird's Lane, Glasgow, (12/09/2024—17/12/2024)