Yours Mine Ours explores the use of appropriated imagery in the work of seven contemporary artists from UK, America, France, Greece and Italy. Using photographs, film stills, newspaper cuttings and even historical artworks, these artists layer, erase, rework and manipulate found images until the original focus and meanings are severely obscured or even destroyed, creating new visual narratives on the foundations of the old. In each artwork the original is never completely obliterated but resonates below the surface as a contemporary palimpsest. Curated by seven MA Gallery students, the exhibition takes place in the University Gallery of Essex and is open to the public from 21st April to 31st May 2008. The artists participating are Idris Khan, Jake and Dinos Chapman, Pierre Bismuth, Seb Patane, Christian Holstad, Loukia Alavanou and Graham Dolphin.
It is of course of paramount importance to mention that although the practice of appropriation can be tracked back to the Cubist collages and the Dadaistic movement, it still raises debates that surround the recycling or sampling of visual material and pushes the limitations and conceptions of plagiarism and vandalism in art. In the specific show our aim is to contribute to these current debates within contemporary art and present an innovative, educational and enjoyable display. A varied educational programme, parallel events and supporting materials also accompany our show, making it more accessible and understandable for our audience.