Man in the Dark Opening Night.

The exhibition Man in Dark at Woodmill (8^th October – 7^th November 2010) explores ideas of well-being and self-betterment through the work of 10 artists from across the globe (http://www.woodmill.org/programme). With this in mind the P.A.S.T. Projects Library and Archive space has been adapted to serve as a space of contemplation and relaxation. The soothing sound of birdsong, a sofa, and low lighting provide a calm and comfortable area in which visitors can peruse exhibiting artists’ books, alternative living magazines, and self-help books. An ‘Advice Board’ has also been added to the space where visitors are asked to contribute advice relating to the relationship between art and emotional well-being, the ‘creative self’, and artistic practice. These contributions will be uploaded weekly to the P.A.S.T. Projects blog.

Here are some installation shots from the opening night:

New publications include:
Po: Beyond Yes and No, Edward de Bono
Man and His Symbols, Carl Jung
and books by exhibiting artists Lottie Cantle and Daniel Gustav Cramer.

Artist Joe Watling adding some comments to the advice board.

The new sofa, a lamp for some soft lighting and some inspirational magazines for visitors to browse through.

Man in the Dark

Man in the Dark

Opening: 08.10.2010 / 7 - 9pm
Exhibition continues: 09.10.2010 - 07.11.2010



Tales (Perada, Greece, August 2009), 2010, Daniel Gustav Cramer



Bettina Samson (FR) Jane and Louise Wilson (UK) Jon Rafman (US) Lottie Cantle (UK) Christian Newby (US) Joost van den Toorn (NL) Stuart Croft (UK) Daniel Gustav Cramer (DE)

'Man in the Dark' embraces the ambiguous and illusory nature of humanity's belief in self- betterment, in turn exploring the frictions that exist between our search for emotional well being and our desire to develop intelligently. The works included present opposing ideologies and deal with processes of perceptual, mystical and ritual transformation. Positing the irrational and unexplainable as central to the production of artworks the exhibition functions on the fringes of the logical, with collection of works

The exhibition includes debut London presentations from Joost van den Toorn- featuring a large and confounding bronze work, and Bettina Samson- whose practice is revealed here in a series of installations, having recently exhibited within 'Dynasty' at Palais de Tokyo earlier in the year. Other pieces include early work by artists Jane and Louise Wilson, photography and text by Daniel Gustav Cramer, and new work by Lottie Cantle derived from a recent excursion to the Caribbean Sea with the National Center for Oceanography. Jon Rafman shares his perspective through a Secondlife interview as avatar Kool-Aid Man, whilst Christian Newby and Stuart Croft explore narrative and transportation through their video and film.

Curated by Alastair Frazer, Thom O'Nions, Naomi Pearce and Richard Sides

Exhibition opening times: Thursday - Sunday 12 - 6pm

October's Contributor of the Month: Jasiek Mischke

For October our first ever Contributor of the Month, Jasiek Mischke, sent in a text from his recent performance at The Woodmill's month-long series of events 'Heat Haze.' Jasiek is a recent graduate of the Goldsmiths College MFA Fine Arts Practice course.

Click here for more information on Jasiek.

Each month P.A.S.T. Projects asks a Woodmill studio artist to contribute to our blog in whichever form they so choose. If you would like to participate as a Contributor of the Month, or for more information on our Contributors, please contact us at p.a.s.t.library@gmail.com.

A Letter for PAST Projects from Treasa O'Brien on Vimeo.

Elena Bajo reading a letter by Treasa O'Brien at Housing Works Bookshop in New York. The letter was a contribution by Treasa for the P.A.S.T. Projects Collaboration with Elena Bajo at The Woodmill, London.

Performance by Adam Christensen at the Buzz or Howl Opening.

Buzz or Howl collaboration with Alastair Frazer.

Shelf containing documention folders of previous events at the Woodmill and publications containing work by some of the studio artists.

On the occasion of Buzz or Howl, an exhibition at the Woodmill (10^th September 2010 – 26^th September 2010) curated by Alastair Frazer, the P.A.S.T. Projects Library and Archive will be exhibiting a new collaboration developed by Frazer and P.A.S.T. Projects. The library will host archive material and documentation from the two groups exhibiting as a part of Buzz or Howl. The exhibition will showcase work by two assembled groups whose work is connected by fluid associations with each other, established by collaboration, interaction and social connections. After the exhibition the material on display will then be made accessible within the library space to the Woodmill community and visitors.

Buzz or Howl at The Woodmill | Starts Friday 10th September 7-10pm

The Woodmill presents ‘Buzz or Howl’- an exhibition that peers into production emerging from a collective energy. Revealed is the work of two invited groups, who find alchemy and narrative through a strange social chemistry.

85A Collective will realise a new installation that provides intoxicant glimpses into other worlds and fictions- a portal into a darkened chasm of experience, with echoes of German Expressionism and Dada. As a cooperative group of Glasgow based artists, they come together around a shared vision of transgressive theatricality and cinematic brooding. Their exploration and ‘sideways’ approach to Industry is found through a distinct immersion in kinetic/ action sculpture, painting and performance.

Simultaneously, the Hangar Space will provide a scene for Ben Burgis and circle of associate London artists, purposefully summoned around his large revolving stage. With the milking-machine engine powering the installation’s centrepiece, the invited artists will convene together in the space with sculptural works, an evocation of characters, both loving and irreverent.

Through the relationships of the 18 artists in ‘Buzz or Howl’ are found elevatory moments of shared experience, confluences of interest and common desire, that explores a further source of purpose lurking behind individual artistic practice.

The opening night (10th September) will see live performances from both groups- 7pm onward.

There will also be a special discussion event taking place on Saturday 25th October.

Exhibition curated by Alastair Frazer.

The Woodmill

Neckinger

Bermondsey

London

SE16 3QN

www.woodmill.org

info@woodmill.org

Opening times: Thursday - Sunday / 12 – 6pm

Tube: Bermondsey, London Bridge

Bus: 1, 42, 78, 188, C10

Supported by ACAVA