Joseph McGlennon: Heavenly Fighters

Overview

When was the last time you saw an exhibition inspired by cockfighting? Never? Then see Joseph McGlennon's latest show at Michael Reid, which draws upon the tradition within Balinese Hinduism.

Animal-lovers may well find the concept confronting, but in Bali, cockfights, or talen, are part of established religious practice, taking place in an ancient ritual to expel evil spirits — the blood of the losing bird is shed to provide an offering at events like temple festivals and religious ceremonies. McGlennon's prints explore the idea that these birds are bred for aggression, trained to be killers, yet they simultaneously possess a holy significance. Hence the show title, Heavenly Fighters.

Expect mythical, ablaze-with-colour digital prints of the fighting creatures, capturing their virility and power. McGlennon has a background in branding and advertising, which partly explains his work's visual oomph… plus a lot of time in post-production. Those familiar with his Kangaroo Studies (2010) or Florilegium #1 (2014) — which won him the Bowness Prize — can already attest to the majesty and mysterious power his pieces transmit.

Image: Joseph McGlennon, Heavenly Fighters #4, 2017