“A Stately View Press Release”
Richard Tungate insinuates a clash of culture, values and tradition. The classical meets the modern in a carefully constructed panoramic scene. In which the walls within a Stately home usually adorned with paintings created by the likes of Reynolds or Gainsborough for example, which would have shown the Lords and Ladies of the manor. Now however in this instance they show Portraits of Chavs and Hoodies as they are often named in the media.
A striking resemblance between two eras, which at first seem so distant, now seem so close, as the Issues surrounding their façade are parallel to the ideology behind the previous paintings. Wealth, power and respectability are consistent throughout the centuries of tradition of being portrayed. The replacement of “High Art” with depictions of “Low brow” culture allow for the youth of the 21st century to be scrutinised in a way in which a classic 17th or 18th century painting is.
An uncanny contextualisation takes place through combining images of contemporary youth with traditional portraiture. As the use of Rembrandt lighting and chiaroscuro technique illuminates their faces, a stature, a grandeur surrounding their existence emerges. We are asked to delve deeper into the etiquette associated with modern youth. Our previous perceptions of Honour, Nobility and Respectability are set in juxtaposition with the youth of today’s 21st century alternative.
