They are two of the last things you would expect to find in an industrial lock-up in Wolverhampton, but a giant palm tree made from tyres and a crucifix bearing Ronald McDonald both feature in the latest exhibition by millionaire art collector Frank Cohen.
The pieces, along with an aluminium skeleton of a cow and an enormous wooden elephant, are included in the Unholy Truths collection at the Initial Access gallery on Calibre Industrial Park, Four Ashes.
The exhibition, which runs from Saturday until December 15, explores the darker side of life and as soon as guests walk through the door, they are greeted by a giant portrait of pink laughing demons by renowned artist Yue Minjun.
Other works include the rubber palm tree by Douglas White and Unholy McTrinity featuring the heads of three McDonalds characters by Jake and Dinos Chapman. Frank, who made his money in the home improvement business, said the collection included important artists from India, China and America and was a real plus for the city.
“The gallery is Wolverhampton’s hidden gem and we have academics and art-lovers coming here from all over the country. It’s something a bit different but it’s proven to be very successful,” he said.The 63-year-old began collecting art three decades ago but for years his 2,000-strong hoard was kept hidden.
The latest show, which is the third at Initial Access, has been put together by curator David Thorp, former director of South London Gallery and curator of contemporary projects at the Henry Moore Foundation.
Mr Thorp said: “The gallery is of real regional importance and this latest collection deals with the darker, creepier side of life, although many of the pieces still have a sense of humour. Almost all of the works are on display in the UK for the first time.”
Featured artists include Dirk Bell, Dan Colen, Till Gerhard and Sudarshan Shetty.
* The gallery is open from Tuesday to Friday between 11am and 4pm. Admission is free. Call 01902 790419 or visit www.initialaccess.co.uk.
You must contact the gallery to pre-book your visit.
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