presents
Art of Survival London artists travel to Prague
(photo: Art of
Survival at the Prague Biennale,
Veletrzni Palac, 26 June–26 August)
Exhibition at
the Czech Centre London
Czech Centre
95 Great Portland Street,
London, W1
until 1August
Thursday –Friday 10-18h or by appointment
(t:07887 701799)
Art of Survival is the British contribution to the first
ever Prague Biennale. The artists of Art of Survival will present new
versions of their work at the Czech Centre, London.
The exhibition will also showcase material by young Czech artists including documentation of the political actions by Pode Bal and a special preview of Hypermarket Czech Dream, a provocative documentary film about growing consumerism in a country about to join the European Union.
Prague Biennale 1: The Peripheries
Become the Centre
26 June – 26 August 2003
“The Prague Biennale announces itself as the major art event of
the year, marking the difference from all the other big international
exhibitions. Young and emerging artists from every corner of the world
were selected by the most influential curators (or artists acting as curators)
to create a pluralistic vision of contemporary art today.” (Prague
Biennale press release)
Art of Survival was curated by British curatorial partnership, B+B (Sarah
Carrington and Sophie Hope) in direct response to the ambitious claims
of the Prague Biennale.
Five UK artists were brought together who are both practicing and parodying
strategies for survival in their work:
b+b boycott biennale by Paula Roush (msdm)
The tactic of brand jujitsu is employed to trace and promote the history
of biennale boycotting over the last ten years.
Me at work now by Alasdair Hopwood
An alternative economy for the artists’ working life is presented
through prototypes for billboards and plans for a new website.
Staying Alive by Barry Sykes and Sean Parfitt
Photos document the endeavours of an ongoing research project based on
the day-to-day behaviour of survivalists and adventurers. In preparation
for their journey to Prague they commenced a period of intensive manhaul
training.
Campaign for Spare Time POSTCARD COMPETITION by Ella Gibbs
Nominate
your favourite postcard here!
On 26th June 2003, a Campaign for Spare Time was launched by Spare Time
Job Centre at Prague Biennale. Visitors were invited to join the Campaign
by sending personal visions of an ideal place to be on a postcard to London.
Click here for images of the Launch of Art of Survival at the Czech Embassy in London.
Also Showing:
Hypermarket Czech Dream
This will be the
London debut of a highly contentious film project that fooled thousands
of Prague consumers and revealed the influence of advertising on Czech
society, media and politics.
A promotional campaign told of a new out of town Hypermarket. Customers
came from miles around to the unveiling of what was only an immense, 100
ft advertising hoarding. This action forced the nation into a public dialogue
on surviving a rapidly changing economy.
For further information
on Art of Survival contact:
Sophie Hope, B+B 0044 (0)7887 701799
b.b@welcome.to
For further information on Hypermarket
Czech Dream contact :
Irena Taskovski, Taskovski Films +44 79 5710 5672
itaskovski@hotmail.com
Art of Survival is supported by the Arts Council London, British Council with assistance from the Czech Centre London and administrative support from the Austrian Cultural Forum, London.