June 12 - September 7, 2008
Scottish artist Henry Coombes explores the tension between instinctual, natural impulses and the constraints of polite society. He presents viewers with seemingly idyllic scenarios that gradually delve into the deeper, darker inclinations of human nature. In two of his recent films—Laddy and the Lady (2005) and Gralloch (2007)—actors don animal costumes and the traditional sportsman attire of the British elite, playing out scenes at once amusing, disturbing, and surreal. Both films will be on view in the Hammer’s Video Gallery marking Coombes’ first exhibition in an American museum.
Scottish artist Henry Coombes explores the tension between instinctual, natural impulses and the constraints of polite society. He presents viewers with seemingly idyllic scenarios that gradually delve into the deeper, darker inclinations of human nature. In two of his recent films—Laddy and the Lady (2005) and Gralloch (2007)—actors don animal costumes and the traditional sportsman attire of the British elite, playing out scenes at once amusing, disturbing, and surreal. Both films will be on view in the Hammer’s Video Gallery marking Coombes’ first exhibition in an American museum.
Hammer Projects is made possible with support from The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, the Annenberg Foundation, Fox Entertainment Group’s Arts Development Fee, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and the David Teiger Curatorial Travel Fund. Gallery brochures are underwritten in part by the Pasadena Art Alliance.
Henry Coombes is also supported by the British Council.
Henry Coombes is also supported by the British Council.
Saturday Aug 9, 3pm
Artist Talk
Join Henry Coombes for an evening of in-depth discussion about the Scottish artist’s drawings, paintings and sculptures as well as selected screenings of his amusing, disturbing and surreal films. Coombes explores the tension between instinctual, natural impulses and the constraints of polite society. He presents viewers with seemingly idyllic scenarios that gradually delve deeper into the darker inclinations of human nature.
Hammer Artist Talks include lively Q&A sessions with the audience and offer a great chance to learn more about important emerging artists from the artists themselves. For his first exhibition in an American museum, Coombes’s Laddy and the Lady (2005) and Gralloch (2007) are on view in the Hammer Video Gallery through September 7th.
Artist Talk
Join Henry Coombes for an evening of in-depth discussion about the Scottish artist’s drawings, paintings and sculptures as well as selected screenings of his amusing, disturbing and surreal films. Coombes explores the tension between instinctual, natural impulses and the constraints of polite society. He presents viewers with seemingly idyllic scenarios that gradually delve deeper into the darker inclinations of human nature.
Hammer Artist Talks include lively Q&A sessions with the audience and offer a great chance to learn more about important emerging artists from the artists themselves. For his first exhibition in an American museum, Coombes’s Laddy and the Lady (2005) and Gralloch (2007) are on view in the Hammer Video Gallery through September 7th.