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J O H N M C K E N Z E
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HITLIST THE BEST EXHIBITIONS
✽ George Wyllie: In Pursuit of the Question Mark Upbeat, must-see retro-
spective of sculptures, drawings and paintings, celebrating the passion and infectious energy of the much-loved artist. See review, page 138. Mitchell Library, Glasgow, until Sat 2 Feb.
✽ Galápagos Last chance to catch this
fascinating show that brings together the work of 11 artists who spent time in the archipelago courtesy of a residency programme set up to explore the threats faced by the islands. Fruit- market Gallery, Edinburgh, until Sun 13 Jan.
✽ Changement de décor Photographs by Albie Clark documenting the many cultural
activities of the French Institute during the 2012 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Institut francais d’Ecosse, Edinburgh, until Sat 19 Jan.
✽ Harland Miller: Overcoming Opti- mism Darkly subversive depictions of dog-
eared Penguin book designs down the decades question the nature of fiction. See review, left. Ingleby Gallery, Edinburgh until Sat 26 Jan.
✽ Andy Hope 1930: When Dinosaurs Become Modernists The first solo exhibition of the work of German artist Andy Hope 1930, inspired by comic books and sci-fi iconography, continues at the botanics. Inverleith House, Edinburgh, until Sun 27 Jan.
✽ Trisha Baga: Holiday First UK solo exhibition from the New York-based video
and performative artist. See preview, page 140. Dundee Contemporary Arts, until Sun 27 Jan.
✽ Andy Warhol & Joseph Beuys: The ‘Lost’ Photographs Summerhall’s
December/January programme includes this collection of photographs documenting the friendship between two major postwar artists. Summerhall, Edinburgh, Fri 14 Dec–Sat 26 Jan.
13 Dec 2012–24 Jan 2013 THE LIST 137
RECOMMENDED HARLAND MILLER The New York painter explores the art of fi ction in Overcoming Optimism
I f the Obscene Publications Squad are on the case of this first solo exhibition in Scotland by a York-born painter with a name like a pulp fiction hack, rest easy. Miller’s monumental depictions of dog-eared Penguin book designs down the decades may look like the sort of behind-the-counter smut peddled under plain cover, but it’s the titles themselves that show off the real art of fiction. On the one hand, epic tomes such as the punk-inspired ‘Fuck Art, Let’s Dance’, the ‘Incurable Romantic Seeks Dirty Filthy Whore’ and the possible Off-Broadway smash, ‘Born to Get it in the Tits Every Single Day
scientifically
inclined
Though’ are masterpieces of cock-snooking fantasy-wish-fulfilment obscenity à la Joe Orton’s adventures in an Islington library. Beyond pop savvy fun and games and the Rude Kid style relish with which sweary-words are employed to flirt with the forbidden (as with old-school porn emporiums, the rudest title here is kept under lock and key), lies a darkly subversive intent. In what looks like the filthiest library in the world, try shushing that one up. (Neil Cooper) Ingleby Gallery, Edinburgh until Sat 26 Jan ●●●●●