Private View Review - Elmgreen & Dragset - The Welfare Show - Serpentine - London

Wednesday evening marked the opening of Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset’s ‘The Welfare Show’ at the Serpentine. (www.serpentine.org). Swarming with a mass of art world movers and groovers, there is something ironic about this overtly social and political show. After all, the Serpentine is arguably one of London’s most affluent galleries and this is an exhibition that focuses on well, social welfare. However, that’s not to say the exhibition is bad. On the contrary, it is quite remarkable. It's disturbing, depressing and stimulating. Indeed, this is an unforgettable exhibition that leaves you pondering on our sometimes seedy social situation and economic state of the world today.

‘The Welfare Show’ is has no beginning or end – there’s no one point to start out, a little like walking around a circle. The first piece, a brand spanking wheelchair with a blue hydrogen-filled balloon tied to its arm, is desolate and somewhat distressing. Other pieces, including a waiting room and, lone baby tucked up in a basket beneath a cash point machine; are equally as rousing.

There’s no doubt that this is a show, which leaves everyone with a different impression. Following the initial onslaught of visitors, some attendees were beside themselves with glee, others lethargic while the rest simply took it all with a pinch of salt. Perhaps this is where Elmgreen and Dragset truly triumph. They have produced a show from the heart and soul, presenting it to a sometimes nonchalant nation. It’s a provocative and thought provoking notion – and it works.