London, as with many other urban centres, functions
as an 'island of desire' in commonplace perception, advertising freedoms in
lifestyle and self-fulfilment. But, the urban dweller must compensate for these
luxuries with certain sacrifices. On the one hand seduced by the allure of the
urban multitude, he has to on the other hand accept the city's pace and, often
passively, a role in its systems of mediation, surveillance and control.
The origins of a certain ‘urban DISease’ very often
lie beyond grasp but are instead sensed as underlying and immaterial
threats to the status quo. Adaptation, or a healthy sense of disregard is
needed in order to adjust to an environment of constant shifts in social
politics; here is it easy to unknowingly submit to the powers at play.
London Seizure, a
two-part screening programme of artists’ moving image works suggests to take a
step back from this hypnotic swirl.
The artists featured in part 1, Urban DISease, use
processes of close observation and contemplation to engage with their immediate
surroundings. They share an interest in capturing instances of disruption in
everyday social or political life and give a voice to a general sense of
discomfort.
The artists featured in part 2, Extension of the Zone of
Operation, take an extra interest in current housing politics and
regeneration processes that endanger interpersonal links and nurture isolation
and individualism.
Contextualised within institutions in two London boroughs currently
strongly affected by regeneration processes, this two-part project aims to
trigger an exchange of voices from a Southwark to a Hackney Wick context.
Urban DISease
John Smith, The Black Tower, 24 min., 1985-87.
Piotr Krzymowski, The shape of things to come,
6,20 min., 2012.
Alexander Costello, All you need to know right
now (1), 8,27 min., 2001.
Claire Hope, Boy Nature, 1,30 min, 2009.
Emily Richardson, Block, 13 min, 2009.
Mike Stubbs, Cultural Quarter, 10 min, 2003.
Steven Ball, No-Way Street, 1 min, 2007.
Hector Castells, Film, (2012), 7.13 min,
2012.
Matthias Kispert, The Funeral of Baroness
Thatcher, 4,09, 2013.
Followed by a Q&A with the artists and curator
Location:
Bermondsey Project
46 Willow Walk
London SE1 5SF
