The Grand National is the world’s most famous steeplechase race. Run at Aintree since 1893, it’s a grueling two mile circuit for horses and riders alike. Yael Bartana’s artwork presents this national institution from the perspective of Ladies Day in April 2004.
The film alternates between the Parade Ring and the Tattersalls Enclosure. This, the largest area on the course, is where over 30,000 racegoers can be found watching the races from the slope of the exposed Aintree Mound. Here Yael Bartana’s crew trained their cameras on the betting process and the expectant crowd.
The footage captures Ladies’ Day, the highlight of the meet for many and a brassy parade of fashion sense and high-heeled stamina. Among the ruffled feathers blowing in the stiff breeze, one contestant stands out. Refined in a blacktop hat and diamond choker, she has a marked dignity that’s countered only by Yael Bartana’s cheeky soundtrack, which speeds up the local Scouse accent to make it impenetrable even to an insider.
Also found on the Netherlands Media Art Institute sample compilation, ”Single Channel Works, Installations, 2005 – I”
Catalogue No. 701
File: Montevideo
Catalogue No. 706
File: Bartana, Yael
Catalogue No. 341
File: Bartana, Yael
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