'A Brief History of Privatisation'

'A Brief History of Privatisation', Ellie Harrison, 2011

Ellie Harrison, an Ealing born and Glasgow based artist, showcases the current exhibition in the Upper Foyer Gallery at the Waterman's Centre.  I have been interested in, and following, Harrison's career for some time now, and was looking forward to seeing her latest exhibition, 'A Brief History of Privatisation' in person. 

The layout and format of Harrison's website in itself tells us a lot about her ambitious, humorous, resourceful and wide ranging practice that takes inspiration from, and is formed, at times, through practices within her daily life.  In this latest gallery project, Harrison has installed a group of six massage chairs in a circle facing each other within a darkened room, with a neon projection of  the dates from 1900, until 2011 flashing upon a projected screen.  Each of the chairs represents one of they 'key' public services from the government; Post, Rail, Electricity, Gas, Health and Telecoms.  The chairs switch 'on' at the point that they were controlled by the government, and switch 'off' again when the services were privatised.  The neon text glows with the colour of the political party that was in power at that point in time. 

When visiting the exhibition, as the only audience member in the room, I found myself jumping to and from the chairs that were providing the massage service at the time, never being particularly satisfied by any massage offered by any of the chairs.  But that indeed is the situation of such massage chairs, that they offer only a nudge to your skin, as opposed to a pair of physical hands that can really give you a bespoke service.  Even when the simulated feeling of relaxation and support is offered for a period of time, for however short, it is always disappointing when it is removed and one is left unsupported.  The situation of the chairs placed in an ordered board like fashion gives a humorous suggestion that somehow decisions are made by a powerful group of individuals somewhere, upon a tier above us, with little consequence for the outcome.

You can see further images of the exhibition on Ellie's Facebook page here, and download the exhibition guide here.  Ellie also exhibits two works Toytown and Vending Machine in the foyer, and lower gallery area.  The exhibition runs until 2nd May at Waterman's Art Centre, Brentford, Middlesex.