RETURN OF THE RUDEBOY
SOMERSET HOUSE - LONDON
13 JUN - 25 AUG 2014
From Desmond Dekker ('007' - 1967) to The Specials ("Rudie" - 1979, lyrics above) the image of the "rudeboy" has been ever present within the cultural baggage of Britain.
With the symbolic arrival of the MV Empire Windrush we inherited an image of elegance brought over by immigrants to Britain with an expanded, cross over, elegance which originated with the 18th century 'dandy' and Savile Row.
The exhibition is curated and staged by Dean Chalkley and Harris Elliott.
Their usage of suitcases to house photographic images immediately brings to mind this journey of elegance.
A visitor to the exhibition.
This is a most welcome exhibition. At a historical moment when once again across Europe argumentation for and against immigration is being debated, this exhibition reminds us of the complex cultural involvement that calls immigrants forward and the value, diversity and richness their presence has afforded European culture.
