“This year, artist Alan Kane has been invited to devise an exciting new work for Tate Britain’s Christmas art commission. Home for Christmas will transform Tate Britain’s iconic neo-classical façade into a glowing display of festive off-the shelf decorations, the likes of which can be seen on homes up and down the country during the Christmas season.

The playful commission will mark a new chapter in Tate Britain’s annual offering, with a departure from the traditional Christmas tree. A show-stopping arrangement of LED Santas, reindeer, snowmen and Christmas trees, along with ‘Merry Christmas’ and ‘Santa Stop Here’ signs will adorn the Victorian porticoed entrance created by Sidney R.J. Smith 120 years ago. The lights will be officially switched on at 16.30 on Saturday 2 December by local hero Jane Buttigieg as part of the gallery’s community Christmas event.

Born in Nottingham in 1961, Alan Kane lives and works in Somerset and Great Yarmouth. His work often incorporates found or readymade objects, and brings attention to everyday forms of creativity. Within his various projects and found or readymade objects, and brings attention to everyday forms of creativity. Within his various projects and collaborations, he draws attention to the dividing line between art as defined by academic convention and art as a more commonplace creative act. His inclusive, humorous work blurs the distinction between innovation and tradition, the amateur and professional, and perceptions of high art and low culture through the insertion of familiar and often comic objects into artistic contexts.” — Tate Britain

Alan Kane, Christmas Commission: Home for Christmas, Tate Britain, December 2017. Photo ©Tate (Joe Humphrys)

Alan Kane, Christmas Commission: Home for Christmas, Tate Britain, December 2017. Photo ©Tate (Joe Humphrys)

Alan Kane, Christmas Commission: Home for Christmas, Tate Britain, December 2017. Photo ©Tate (Joe Humphrys)

Home for Christmas: The Alan Kane Christmas Commission has been curated by Aïcha Mehrez, Assistant Curator of Contemporary British Art at Tate.

Images courtesy Tate Britain.