In February 2017, Tim Collins and Reiko Goto’s thought-provoking exhibition, A Caledonian Decoy, was showcased at the Intermedia Gallery, Centre for Contemporary Art in Glasgow. The exhibition brought together recent works developed as part of the artists’ ongoing Critical Forest Art Practice, exploring new relationships between humanity and nature, with a focus on Scotland’s forests.
Minty Donald, an artist and senior lecturer at the University of Glasgow, wrote an insightful review of the exhibition. She delved into the concept of the ‘cultural decoy’, a term Collins and Goto used to describe several of the exhibited works. A ‘cultural decoy’ is intended to lure audiences into engaging with the intricate entanglements between nature and culture, raising questions about land stewardship, re-wilding, and ecological intervention.
In Fiadh, the largest piece in the exhibition, featured a group of cage-like structures containing various Scottish flora, while Decoy, a video installation, further enhanced the immersive experience of navigating the natural-cultural space.
Minty Donald’s full review explores the rich dynamics between art and the environment, challenging viewers to question their relationship with the natural world. You can read the full review below.
For more details, you can also download the exhibition catalogue:
Exhibition Information:
- Title: A Caledonian Decoy
- Venue: Intermedia Gallery, Centre for Contemporary Art, Glasgow
- Dates: February 2-23, 2017
- Review by: Minty Donald
About the Reviewer: Minty Donald is an artist and senior lecturer in contemporary performance practices at the University of Glasgow, with a focus on more-than-human performance.