MANNERS MAKETH MAN
Does respect matter?
Manners Maketh Man (This Ain’t Mickey Mouse), 2011-2013
You’re Taking The Mickey!
Stop Goofing Around!
You Don’t Give A Duck!
Rock crystal, sodalite, onyx and marble
Unique work (set of 3)
H190 x W150 x D70cm (each)
© Mark Humphrey
COLLABORATORS
Shizaru gallery
Pietrasanta Cultural Institute
LOCATION
Mount Street, Mayfair, London, UK
“MANNERS MAKETH MAN (THIS AIN’T MICKEY MOUSE), YOU’RE TAKING THE MICKEY! STOP GOOFING AROUND! YOU DON’T GIVE A DUCK! TRIPTYCH REIMAGINES THREE FAMILIAR CARTOON CHARACTERS AS MONUMENTAL STATUES, HAND-CARVED FROM PRECIOUS STONES AND ELEVATED ON BLACK MARBLE PLINTHS. ONCE SYMBOLS OF CHILDHOOD, ENTERTAINMENT AND PLAYFUL MISCHIEF, THEY ARE TRANSFORMED INTO TREASURED TOMBSTONES THAT APPEAR TO BE FROM A DIFFERENT AGE.
THE REFERENCE TO THE 2011 LONDON RIOTS BRINGS THIS TENSION INTO SHARPER FOCUS. WHAT BEGAN AS UNREST SPREAD RAPIDLY ACROSS LONDON AND BEYOND, WITH MOBILE COMMUNICATION PLAYING A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN HOW EVENTS WERE ORGANISED, REPORTED AND EXPERIENCED. THE WORK REFLECTS ON WHETHER THE RESPECT ONCE EXPECTED WITHIN SOCIETY STILL HAS A PLACE IN CONTEMPORARY LIFE.
THE STATUESQUE PRESENCE OF THE CHARACTERS STANDS IN CONTRAST TO THE FAMILIAR CARTOON FIGURES THAT HAVE LIVED ON THROUGH GENERATIONS. THEY BECOME MEMORIALS TO BEHAVIOUR, RESPECT AND THE SOCIAL RULES THAT HOLD COMMUNITIES TOGETHER.”
Mark Humphrey
