Hinterland

The term kitsch has historically been used to describe art that is inferior. Thanks to pop art and postmodernism, however, kitsch has taken on an insatiable element of cool. The no longer derogatory description, like Harald Turek, originated in Germany. But it is not only geography that puts these two in close proximity: the name and the phrase are often seen side by side in the reviews and catalogues which announce Turek and his work.

German born and based in Glasgow, Turek works in a plethora of mediums. Whilst photography takes up the majority of his portfolio, he has also worked extensively with video, performance and installation. He uses highly recognisable objects and images, be they religious figurines from trinket shops, plastic submarines or iconic paintings from famed artists of yesteryear. His 'Standing on History of Art' piece is an interesting example. 'Hugh and I' was inspired by Holbein's 'The Ambassadors'. Turek has recreated the scene but translated it into the 21st Century using his own visual language and iconography.

Behind the façade of kitsch, Turek's fun images are often based on thought-provoking stories and concepts. His images of a model submarine in 'Stauwasser' were motivated by the story that German submarines would often clandestinely watch their enemies go about normal lives in order to ward off homesickness.

Artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser once stated, "The absence of kitsch makes life unbearable". Whether or not you agree with his sentiments, Turek's show at GI should prove to be a worthwhile investment of your time. [Gabriella Griffith]