Ikon presents group exhibition by thirty-seven British artists, addressing social and political issues in contemporary life. Selected from the Arts Council Collection, sculptures, paintings, photographs and mixed media works date from the mid-70s to 1991. The artists protested against injustice being informed by and contributing to feminist and class consciousness, movements for black and gay rights, and Irish political struggles. Many of the participating artists have previously exhibited at Ikon, with more being involved in subsequent exhibitions. Shocks to the System demonstrates Ikon’s involvement with artists fifteen years prior to the exhibition, showing Ikon’s continuing commitment to art which challenges complacency.  

Artists include, Rasheed Araeen, Conrad Atkinson, Terry Atkinson, Victor Burgin, Sue Coe, Ken Currie, Willie Doherty, Rose Finn- Kelcey, Paul Graham, Sunil Gupta, Susan Hiller, Mona Hatoum, Gavin Jantjes, Tam Joseph, Mary Kelly, Peter Kennard, Chris Killip, Karen Knorr, David Medalla, Michael Minnis, Alastair MacLennan, Philip Napier, Vong Phaophanit, Tony Phillips, Keith Piper, Donald Rodney, Michael Sandle, Paul Seawright, Maud Sulter, Mitra Tabrizian, Ray Walker, Stephen Willats and Chris Wilson.