ThePullenCount.com

In this installation, (Collapsed Utopia) the artist explores the decline of two diametrically opposed ideologies: The aspirational detached house, a product of Thatcher's ruthless social mobility, sits with a Soviet-era Yugoslavian-built Zastava decaying on its unkempt drive.  The juxtaposition of these emblems, sitting in leafy, well-heeled Edgbaston is stark, jarring; uneasy;  totemic of Birmingham's post-industrial decline.  Or summat. 

In previous international tournaments, England fans would proudly display the St George Cross from their cars and houses. Some would happily paint their faces and skin with the national colours. St George Cross headwear would be sported. Look around you now; there's a distinct difference; a noticeable lack of such adornments in the run up to the England v Croatia game. My theory: In the post Operation Raise The Colours world, people who previously would have sported the flag happily, innocently, as an expression of support for their team are now reluctant to do so, for fear of aligning themselves with the toxicity of that "movement". In essence; their violent, thuggish campaign to display more England flags has resulted in the exact opposite.  Those stating this isn't hooliganistic behaviour would do well to view this clip ; Charles Manbun Hooligan Skipping down a Brighton Street with his grim bunch of henchpeople, inviting his opposition to tell them what they are ...