Fiona Banner: Harrier and Jaguar

When I first entered the exhibition I was immediately confronted by two massive fighter planes. After reading the information related to the exhibition I admit I struggled to interpret the reason and the purpose for her choices and what the point she was trying to convey. To be honest it was a bit disappointing and uninspiring, until I was directed to a tiny room showing a video explaining the exhibition. 

After hearing the artist explain her artwork you are able to appreciate. Although they are quite intimidating you cannot help but be in awe of a form thats design directly represents its function; these machines were not designed with aesthetics in mind they were designed ultimately to kill. Quite a mixture of emotions; such a grand object-further exaggerated by the environment they are displayed in, which took part in such horrific circumstances. Stripped down and caged in the gallery Banner uses the nicknames derived from nature to determine there position and finish. Jaguar, a luxury word fits the plane being polished and denuded of its markings. The Harrier is positioned nose to floor like a captured animal. The strange feather like markings make it take on a more anthropomorphic form.  

Although you cannot dismiss Banners exhibition, the fighter planes are impressive to say the least, I just felt that the exhibition was a bit ambiguous and the outcome of the fighter planes was backed up by pretty tedious reasons. Not my cup of tea but worth a look. 

Tate: Fiona Banner Exhibition