This is the first British museum solo exhibition presenting the work of Michael Dean, establishing him as a key figure in current developments in sculpture.

Born in Newcastle in 1977, Dean is an emerging artist who works with sculpture and writing to explore the limits of both. Government features new and commissioned works, punctuated with screenings, readings and performances throughout the twelve weeks of this exhibition.  

Made from concrete, the artist’s modest sculptures lean and lurk throughout the gallery spaces. Cast within the exhibition spaces themselves, these heavy, brittle forms change their patina over time as the material dries and picks up marks from use. Some of Dean’s sculptures are designed as seats and resting places, others loom tall and operate as projection screens, while some invade the very functional fabric of the Institute’s building. The door handles to the gallery spaces are replaced by concrete counterparts; the floors of the gallery are covered by thick carpet. Each of Dean’s sculptures spell out a single word. He has developed a typography of objects within his artistic practice, resulting in his sculptures being readable as well as visible. Here, for example, ‘Health’, ‘Home’ and ‘Education’ are sculptures, each spelling out, in their own form, systems at the root of society. Entwined with these objects are texts written by the artist, printed on demand within the gallery, using a domestic-desktop publishing set-up.  

Michael Dean studied at Goldsmiths College between 1998 and 2001. His work has been shown in solo and group exhibitions across Europe, including at Kunsthalle Frieburg in Germany, 176 / Zabludowicz Collection in London, Nomas Foundation in Rome, MAK in Vienna and the Centre for Contemporary Art in Riga. 

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