Terence Gower's "Enemies and Rascals" Review

Canadian artist Terence Gower's "Enemies and Rascals" sound installation, presented by Artangel at the Maughan Library in London, explores historical instances of United States expansionism towards Canada. The exhibition draws a parallel between the American Revolutionary War's attempt to annex Canada in 1775-76 and contemporary geopolitical tensions, implicitly referencing Donald Trump's second term and his administration's interactions with Canada. Gower uses archival texts and quotes from historical figures to portray early American founders, such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, as rapacious figures driven by a desire for territorial acquisition, particularly concerning Indigenous lands.

The installation is situated within the neo-Gothic architecture of the Maughan Library, creating an immersive environment for visitors. While the exhibition aims to highlight a recurring pattern of aggressive US foreign policy and its impact on Canada, the review suggests that the presentation, despite its thematic weight, lacks dramatic tension. The artist's approach focuses on the historical roots of what is described as "US thuggery," framing the nation's founding principles through a lens of territorial ambition and exploitation. The review notes that while Trump is not explicitly named, his presence looms over the contemporary interpretation of these historical events.

"Enemies and Rascals" revisits the first major US attempt to incorporate Canadian territories during the American war of independence. Gower's work positions figures like George Washington, identified as a "Virginia plantation owner," and Benjamin Franklin, a "printer," as proponents of aggressive expansion. Their quoted words are presented to convey a rapacious intent towards Canadian land, with a particular emphasis on the dispossession of Indigenous peoples. This historical narrative is juxtaposed with current political dynamics, suggesting a continuity in US foreign policy objectives and methods.