Nathaniel developed a body of work that was exhibited at The Changing Room Gallery, Stirling 5 April - 24 May; The Turnpike Gallery, Leigh
14 June - 26 July; The Brewery Gallery, Kendal 3 - 31st August.

The show was called Prince Lightning and comprised of photographs, music and a sculptural installation.

Prince Lightning is a rap-star for the British countryside. He was conceived by Mellors during his residency and inspired by the discovery of a specialist collection of rare soul records in Cumbria.

Prince Lightning is a romantic phantom born of generic sources. He is an attempt to mutate the pop-cultural symbol of the black soul man into 3-dimensional being. He represents the desire for an alternative position to mainstream cultural influences. At the same time, because he is sourced from the limited iconography of the mainstream, he remains a flawed and tragic construction.

The 12-track album The Long Scratch Mellors produced is an original composition featuring rare soul samples and Mellors/Prince Lightning’s rapping and guitar-work. It plays inside a 30-foot long crucifix-shaped nest. The photographs demonstrate Prince Lightning at work on stage and in the woods. The images have a seductive but dislocated quality and alongside the music reflect upon Prince Lightning’s Frankenstein-like identity crisis.

The Long Scratch is a continuation of Mellors’ satirical work dealing with the processing of human interests through entertainment structures.

Mellors also developed a new 16mm film called Pod War which was screened for the first time at all Roadshow venues. Based on an abstract idea of an enemy & psychological warfare, the film was shot on location in Grizedale, incorporating local children form the Honeypot estate in Ulverston and actors. Mellors also produced the soundtrack for the film.

Contributor Profile

Nathaniel Mellors