Bedwyr Wiliams // MILQUETOAST

'They came via the gift shop after peeling back the security shutter. From the recently upgraded security cameras (the old ones had become totally blind after years of staring at bright white walls), the Director could see that the intruders had browsed briefly before they started smashing things up. She shook her head quietly as large shrink-wrapped exhibition catalogues were thrown across the shop, smashing into works for sale on the shelves, sending fragments and splinters of ceramic and coloured glass across the floor.' – Bedwyr Williams, 'The Militia'

MILQUETOAST is a Southwark Park Galleries touring exhibition in partnership with Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham and Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

This major new body of work by Welsh artist Bedwyr Williams interrogates the role of the art institution within contemporary society. Via sculpture, video, painting and drawing, Williams parodies fetishistic architectural motifs and bureaucratic hierarchies appropriated within the culture sector and the city.

The exhibition is accompanied by a new publication of Williams’ notorious and habitual drawing practice, designed by Pagemasters published by Southwark Park Galleries.

This publication is made possible by the generous support of the Arts Council of Wales through funds derived from the National Lottery.

MILQUETOAST is supported by the Arts Council of Wales, The Colwinston Charitable Trust, The Paul and Louise Cooke Endowment, Arts Council England, Southwark Council, Omni Colour, Wrexham County Borough Council, Aberystwyth University, Ceredigion County Council, Theatrum Mundi and King's College London.

The short story 'The Militia' was commissioned by Theatrum Mundi for 'Concrete and Ink: Storytelling and the Future and Architecture', published by nai010 in 2021.

Bedwyr Williams is represented by Southard Reid, London.