Roger Hiorns: Untitled 2010

About

Roger Hiorns' Untitled, 2012 will be displayed concurrently in firstsite's Entrance Space. The sculpture consists of two engines from a decommissioned military surveillance aeroplane. The Boeing EC-135c aircraft was part of a fleet that gathered intelligence as part of an ongoing US initiative codenamed 'Operation Looking Glass', begun in 1961. Contained within the engines is a measure of crushed anti-depressant drugs. The work explores Hiorns' interest in the advanced technology involved in creating a powerful, aggressive symbol of war, alongside the small, yet no less powerful and aggressive pharmaceutical. Making reference to the creation and alleviation of anxiety on both a national and personal level, it addresses the connection between global security and individual well-being. This will be the first time that the work has been presented indoors. Untitled, 2010 was originally commissioned by the Art Institute of Chicago, and has been generously gifted to the Arts Council Collection by the artist and Corvi Mora, London. The gift has been supported by The Henry Moore Foundation. Roger Hiorns (b. 1975, Birmingham) has held solo exhibitions at the Hepworth Wakefield; De Hallen Haarlem, Haarlem (2013); Aspen Art Museum, Colorado; Art Institute of Chicago (2010); Tate Britain, London (2003, 2009); Camden Arts Centre, London (2007); Milton Keynes Gallery (2006) and the Hammer Museum, Los Angeles (2003). He has participated in significant survey exhibitions including the 55th Venice Biennale (2013); British Art Show 6 and 7 (2005, 2011); Busan Biennale (2008) and the 1st Athens Biennial (2007). In 2009 he was shortlisted for the Turner Prize. His sculpture Untitled, 2008 formed part of firstsite's 2012 exhibition News From Nowhere. Hiorns lives and works in London.