A NATION DIVIDED
02.2015
Royal Academy of Art, Prinsessegracht 4,
2514 AN Den Haag

A Political multi-media room installation dealing with the absurdity of the Scottish Independence Referendum. The room exposed both the pro-independence and anti-independence views at their most extreme. Although having dark undertones, the story is told with a style of irreverent black humour - an unbiased mocking of either side at equal measure. The cultural and social identity of Scotland is highlighted, as is the fierce hyperbolic bitterness of the competition between both the 'Yes' and 'No' voters.

The revolution-propaganda element of the idealistic 'Yes' campaign was hinted toward by the billboard-esque pasting and tearing of the reproduced idyllic paintings. This became a wallpaper akin to a household interior which also addressed the idea of 'home' and tradition, as well as territorial boundaries.

A showmanship and parading of stereotypes ensued in order to exaggerate differences between the opinionated teams. This aspect was depicted and ridiculed by creating an over-the-top parade mask which had an extendable middle finger attached - illustrating in an icon the crux of what both were essentially doing.

Two equally idiotic sculptures depict each side being somewhat simple-minded in that they both were obedient and naive to blindly follow with gusto any side of the dubious debate. Taking a distance from passion or logic, a mouth is projected reading out genuine facebook statuses regarding the topic. Both sides are dealt with in the same breath, confusedly merging two arguments and chattering endlessly to illustrate the little knowledge but fervent passion individuals had concerning the debate.

The Anti-Independence campaign members were extreme on the other end of the scale. Their reasoning dating back centuries ago, these strong protestants and believers in 'The British Union' often take part in 'Orange Walk' marches to display their anti-semetic message and appreciation for William of Orange bringing Protestancy to Scotland. In order to show this side of the 'No campaign', tools for an imaginary 'Orange Walk' were created including screen-printed flags of a hand-painted William of Orange. Everything is hand-crafted and amateur in order to mock and represent the extreme effort which goes into displaying this aggressive message.


Photographer: Annija Muizule