More Gnarly Illusions

[When the Boat Comes In]

Erin Dickson

More Gnarly Illusions is a multi-channel video documenting the mistranslated lyrics of the traditional North East folk song When the Boat Comes In. Working with local musician Alex Campbell, Dickson uses dictation software to transcribe Geordie singing into received pronunciation, the standard accent as spoken in the south of England. The video depicts three iterations of the performer singing progressively incomprehensible lyrics. More Gnarly Illusions highlights idiosyncrasies of the Geordie dialect, its position within British culture and the worry of being misunderstood.

Exploring ideas of home through language, culture and vernacular architecture, Erin Dickson’s diverse practice is connected through tongue-in-cheek themes of ‘Britishness’, particularly in relation to the North East. Using a variety of digital and analogue techniques, her works range from time-based performances and photographic glass reliefs, through to monumental sculpture and installation.

Dickson works in the North East and London.