They're Primitive Scum and You're All Gonna Die! (2014)

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In the build up to every major international football tournament the British tabloid media manufacture a campaign of fear and hatred, focusing on the potential dangers that await the traveling England fan.

Toby created this installation as part of YOU’RE SH*T ARRRGH! an exhibition exploring the rituals, language and tribal identity of football through the eyes of 11 artists. The piece contained several pieces of fake memorabilia that appeared to have been brought back from the various international football tournaments attended by Toby over the years. Incorporated into the design of each artefact was an actual tabloid newspaper headline written in the months preceding each event. The newspaper and journalist associated with each headline were listed alongside the collection of objects.

“I am interested in England’s global outlook and the way the tabloid media frames this narrative. During times of heightened nationalism - such as in the build up to major international sporting events - this view often seems to manifest itself as crude and preposterous xenophobia.”

The show ran alongside the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and was curated by Toby and artist
Harry Bix.