The Ysh London team is very excited about the forthcoming exhibition 'The Once and Future Britain' by The Artful Dodger and a group of young creatives which showcases a theoretical vision of world politics, future history and pop culture in Britain, for the year 2024.

Above: The Artful Dodger The Future Poster (preliminary sketch for window commission) 2009
Courtesty of The Artful Dodger © the artist

This exhibition is based on quite an unusual concept reminiscent of the classic novel ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’ by George Orwell, which envisions a future where such things as Christmas and diversity are banned. These exhibits represent the artistic rebellion against the future regime and celebrate the ‘good old days’ of rebel creativity and social diversity.

'The Once and Future Britain' is the new annual window commission which is presented by Invia (Institute of International Visual Arts) at Rivington Place, Shoreditch, East London, an area where real youth culture flourishes. This exhibition is held during the Christmas season and raises the question of seasonal holidays such as Christmas being banned in the future as a result of a more ‘socially cohesive’ nation.

The Artful Dodger and a group of young creatives portray this future Britain using the most common kinds of street culture art such as stencils, spray painting, photography and graphic design that will take us to a future Britain. Not only do they demonstrate this concept through street art, but they also express it from a textile point of view. We can’t wait to see how these images transform from street graffiti into artful surface designs…

Above: The Artful Dodger Future World Poster No. 1
Courtesty of The Artful Dodger © the artist

The Artful dodger (A. Dee ) was one of the first aerosol artists and writers to be recognised in the UK in the early 80’s, from the street to corporate world, where he has translated his work into commissions for BAA Heathrow Airport, MTV, The South Bank Show, and designs for album sleeves and logos for musicians and record labels. A. Dee has also been working to help Britain’s youth develop their self-expression through special workshops associated with the exhibition 'The Once and Future Britain'.

Ysh London can’t wait to see how the exhibition will manifest itself, and how the theme will be translated into the gallery space. It’s amazing how graffiti has turned into such a strong medium that can communicate very strong messages from world politics to conspiracy theories. I believe this type of artwork strikes you because it’s a true and honest voice from the streets and the nature of it's anonymity creates the illusion that it could just as well be your voice.

The Artful Dodger: The Once and Future Britain
Annual window commission 
Presented by Iniva at Rivington Place
9 December 2009 – 2 January 2010
www.iniva,org

Rivington Place public opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 11am - 6pm
Late Thursdays: 11am - 9pm (last admission 8.30pm)
Saturday: 12noon - 6pm
Sunday, Monday: Closed
Admission: Free
Nearest tube station:
Take the Northern Line to Old Street or the Central Line to Liverpool Street.