Christmas Tree, 1999
© Mat Collishaw
Christmas Tree, 1999
© Mat Collishaw
enlarge
Mat Collishaw
Nativity, 1999
Colour Photograph
Collishaw has taken a conventional pine tree and dressed it with traditional Christmas decorations. An angel adorns the top and wrapped presents surround the base of the tree. However, a video at the foot of the tree shows rats running around and nibbling mince pies in their own festive celebration. The rats appear to be scurrying amongst the presents and provide a stark contrast to the idyllic image of the Christmas tree. The rats are reminders of what lies beneath the surface glitter of Christmas.
The commission was supported by the Patrons of New Art
Biography:
Mat Collishaw was born in 1966 in Nottingham. He studied at Trent Polytechnic
(1985-86) and then at Goldsmiths College, University of London (1986-89).
He lives and works in London.
