The Plot
The first island is the island of beginning, initiation or the unfinished. It's the start of an idea understood through making: the opening credits, a birth or the first paragraph of a manifesto.
The second island is the conclusive island. This island provides the end, the answer or... not. Again this idea is sought through practice so that the 'final response' will be viewed or understood.
The Idea
The central idea here is to create a dialogue between work that is created in isolation from each other, as if all the artists are working on their own island (although organised into 2 groups) coming up with their side of the conversation independently and ignorant of the response. In turn to allow this dialogue to exist in the face of us trying our up most to stop it before it has begun the conversation will only have a beginning - the first island - and an end - the second island. Of course this means there is no middle or no actual 'exchange' in the conversation. It is possible to think of this middle as the sea between the islands or perhaps the place where the audience will exist during the exhibition event. The idea is a conversation in which conversing is removed and you are only left with a beginning, nothing (the audience) and an end: the first island, the sea, and the second island.
There is no central idea except for perhaps these are life questions and answers? That these thoughts are gigantic suggestions or minute observations for life practice. Or they are not, and are not human or social specific or orientated.
Artists
We were looking for artists to respond to this question by becoming involved on the first island. As stated these questions, beginnings or initiations of ideas (or however it is interpreted 'to be' or 'to make' on the first island) are encourage to involve a range of practice from writing, sculpture, painting etc. Our intention is to present a group of artists whose work offers an opening to a variety of ideas, which are inconclusive and have a willingness to be interpreted or even reinterpreted. The second island as well as being ignorant of the work of the first island will be composed of pre-chosen artists so that the islands are further separated.
Artists
First Island
Michal Olgierd Konstantynowicz
Joanna Steele
Richard Stone
Rob Curd
Yael Schmidt
Irene Pérez Hernández
Sardine & Tobleroni (represented by Wilson & Williams Gallery)
Second Island
Jane Fawcett
Claire suckall
Jo Blaker
Kate Morrell
James Whittingham
Rich Hall
Tom Heslop
The Show
The exhibition will exist in two spaces, the first on a mezzanine level in a bar where it will be on constant display for one month. The second space is in The Pinter Room (an area shared by the Marie Lloyd Bar and The Hackney Empire Theatre), which is a white cube space of apprx. 10m by 8m. This space is quite high (apprx. 5m) and thus a possible consideration for intended work. Although this part of the exhibition will be in existence for the same period of time (1 month) access after the Launch Night on 23 July is by appointment only or during Studio Theatre opening times. Do feel free if you can to come down to the Marie Lloyd Bar for any possible site specific work or see how your work would relate or simply for a pint!
The Party
This exhibition will be accompanied by an after party in which two more islands will exist in terms of the performing bands - King Toadfish & Dick Van Timbirtwistle. The bands in THE MARIE LLOYD BAR will be positioned opposite each other sharing the time to make music (one song for one song) in two different fashions reflecting their “choice of road” that could provide both the questions and the answers for an audience made up and divided by the choice.
The entry is free and all are welcome!
Contact
Jay and Tim at the Hackney Empire Theatre, 291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ
marielloyd@hackneyempire.co.uk
Opening Hours
23 July - 29 Aug 2009
Marie Lloyd Bar: Mon - Sat 4pm - 11pm or later on Fridays, Saturdays
Pinter Room: By appointment only or during shows in the studio theatre. Please call 0208 5104500.