-----Original Message-----
From: Studio 1.1 Gallery [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Mon 03/11/2008 12:46 PM
To: gallery 58
Subject: RUSSELL MARTIN 'Elephant'
studio1.1
57a Redchurch St. London E2 7DJ
Nearest tubes Liverpool/Old Street
bus 8, 26, 35, 47, 48, 149, 344, 388
email [log in to unmask]
web www.studio1-1.co.uk
open Thursday - Sunday 12 - 6 pm
or by appointment 07952986696
RUSSELL MARTIN
for the fourth of Russell Martin's projects as
studio1.1 Artist in Residence 2008
you are invited to take part in
'Elephant' Tuesday DECEMBER 2nd
Generally thought of as a venue for looking at and talking about the art
object, the gallery has long interested Martin as, instead, a social space.
During many gallery openings guests prefer to talk to one another rather
than look at the exhibition; and the display of an artist's work has become
an opportunity for networking and gossip, while gallery-going as a whole
could be seen as shifting in the direction of mass entertainment, an
enjoyable pastime instead of an exclusive activity for specialised sections
of society.
As what could be called a practitioner of non-production, (having once been
a sculptor, Martin now works with dialogue and social milieux as his
medium), in this project the artist directly questions our expectations of
the art-space and indeed of what constitutes 'art' itself. Responding to an
invitation from the directors of studio1.1 to place his work in the
artificial art-site, in 'Elephant' he is proposing the absolute equivalence
of his practice - the creation of undocumented and unrepeatable work - and
any more 'traditional' manifestation of the artistic enterprise.
Where does the creative act find form? How is it shaped and how perceived?
Can a mute sculpture nevertheless speak for itself? A dialogue has a shape
and we see it formed; but where on earth can we put it?
For one day the gallery will have installed just one physical work of art,
and members of the public are encouraged to book a half-hour dialogue slot
with Martin. The object may become the 'Elephant in the room' or a
stimulating subject for discussion; the last conversation of the day will be
between Martin and the artist who made the piece - this could either be an
embarrassing recitation of the negative opinions of others, a re-evaluation
of the artistıs thoughts about the work or an incoherent ramble about any
unrelated topic. In any event, none of the dialogues will be recorded
during the day. The exchanges happen on trust.
On a plinth in the gallery will be a sculpture (untitled 2008, plaster,
chipboard, hardboard, wire mesh, wire, steel band and pigment) by John
Wallbank; on a chair will be Russell Martin. The dialogue is yours, the
subject/object entirely up for grabs. As with the blockbuster exhibition, a
ticket will be given with a timed-entry - an assumption is made of the
capacity of the viewer to comprehend or consume the work within strict
temporal parameters. Tea and biscuits will be served.
OTell me where is fancy bred,
Or in the heart or in the head?
How begot, how nourished?
Reply, reply.
It is engenderıd in the eyes,
With gazing fed; and fancy dies
In the cradle, where it lies.
Let us all ring fancyıs knell;
Iıll begin it Ding, dong, bell.
Ding, dong, bell.ı
from OThe Merchant of Veniceı
As places will be limited RSVP to arrange your half-hour slot in 'Elephant'
as soon as possible, by email to [log in to unmask]
'Elephant' will take place on Tuesday 2nd December.
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