Cornish Guardian
FROM its café menu, to the 1957 Chevrolet parked in the drive of a suburban home, there's no doubting we are in America with Patrick Lowry's installation which fills The Exchange in Penzance, but within a nightmare rather than a dream.
A work which takes us back to the 1950s, it is a reminder of the images of big houses and gardens, and even bigger cars, that came our way courtesy of Hollywood. Looking at Patrick Lowry's dream home, with which he questions the reality of the so-called American Dream, it is disturbing to recognise how much of it we have accepted and adopted as our own.
Exchange Gallery - Penzance. Blair Todd (Deputy Director / Exhibitions Curator) looks over the installation of Patrick LowryÕs ÒAmerican DreamÓ 27th April Ð 5th July 2013. Patrick Lowry is constructing a full-sized replica of the faade and garden of a 1950s American suburban home complete with a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air.
It is curated by Blair Todd, deputy director and exhibitions curator at Newlyn Art Gallery and The Exchange, comprised of prints of mid-20th-century American housing plans, plus the 1957 promotional film In The Suburbs. American Dream is a starting point for a number of associated activities.
This Saturday, from 10am to 5pm, there is a one-day course which investigates the relationship between drawing technique and architectural and urban design, led by Mark Pearson. The cost is £36 and booking is essential.
On Thursday, May 9, 6pm to 8pm, there is the opening debate of Postcard to Penzance, when a panel of guest speakers will present views on the regeneration of the town, and questions will be invited from the floor.
This is also a free event, but booking is essential.
Supported by Chevrolet, Solo Building Supplies, and Christopher Rowe Ltd, admission is free, and Patrick Lowry's American Dream can be seen in The Exchange, 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, until July 5.
Above, Blair Todd, director and exhibitions curator, looks over the installation of Patrick Lowry's American Dream which runs until July 5.
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