A tribute to the Roman god of excess. In Milton Keynes, of course.

see images page one, page two, page three

Perhaps not a show for those on the 12-Step Program, Sarah Lucas, Colin Lowe and Roddy Thomson’s collaborative exhibition embraces the appeal of the traditional English pub, plus the attractions, and potential consequences, of overindulging in fags and booze.

Full of the trio’s own brand of subversive humour, with references to art history thrown in, the exhibits include a fully stocked shed-sized bar on wheels, as well as a wall installation that appears to be raining bottles of gin.

In a novel, sculptural take on Uccello’s St George And The Dragon (painted, 1455-60), the knight is a kneeling two-headed drink demon with Lowe and Thomson’s own faces. Like oxygen tanks, two huge whisky bottles feed straight into the knight’s mouths. However, they don’t appear to provide enough Dutch courage to stop him running himself through with his own sword in the face of Lucas’ 10ft dragon, meticulously covered mosaic-style in her favoured brand of ciggies, Marlborough Lights.

A crucified Christ figure, similarly adorned in cigarettes, hints at the agony of trying to give the things up, while a fag-covered coffin in its own white hearse reminds what could be your fate if you don’t. Helen Sumpter 21 March 03

Temple of Bacchus is at Milton Keynes Gallery, 900 Midsummer Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes, until 27 April 03. Tel 01908 676 900 for details.

useful link: www.mk-g.org