Mark Leckey warns of and celebrates gadgetry
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Mark Leckey describes himself as an essayist but he uses images, sound and performance rather than words.
So it is tricky to reflect his work in a conventional gallery exhibition. Take BigBoxStatueAction (2003-10) at the Serpentine: Leckey's Sound System (2003) faces Henry Moore's Upright Motive: No.9 (1979) but the relationship is only properly animated in Leckey's Thursday night Serpentine performances. Otherwise it feels like actors waiting for a script.
GreenScreenRefrigeratorAction (2010-11) is more effective. It is based on Leckey's recent performance in which he gives voice to a Samsung smart fridge, while standing amid a green screen stage. The fridge and set remain, and Leckey's performance, an autotuned monologue, is relayed on two screens. It is both a celebration and warning of gadgetry: in humanising the fridge, Leckey himself becomes de-humanised. Another Sound System accompanies the video Fiorucci Made Me Hardcore (1999), a strangely moving paean to youth and club culture.
Mark Leckey until June 26 (020 7402 6075, serpentinegallery.org);
Mark Leckey, See, We Assemble
Serpentine Gallery
W2