Showing posts with label changeling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label changeling. Show all posts
Saturday, 10 September 2011
Thursday, 8 September 2011
Looking from a distance
Gymnasium Gallery
Paul Grimmer
Looking from a distance
10th September – 15th October 2011
Looking from a distance features two recent moving image works, Without Mind (2011) and Changeling (2010). Both pieces focus on movement in a contemplation of beauty, time, memory and transformation. These two video works are connected by a tension between the sense of intimacy and detachment in the handling of the subject, which in each case is a solo performer. In each work the movement has been digitally altered through editing processes, foregrounding our ways of looking and the weaving of possible psychological narratives.
Looking from a distance was developed with support from Arts Council England, Allenheads Contemporary Arts, Dance City, Globe Gallery and the Medical Research Council.
Opening on Saturday 10th September between 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Special viewing for the Berwick-upon-Tweed Film & Media Arts Festival on Saturday 24th September between 7:30pm - 9pm
Opening times:
11:00am – 5:00pm Wednesday-Sunday
Free entrance from the Ramparts
Gymnasium Gallery
Berwick Barracks,
The Parade,
Berwick-upon-Tweed
TD15 1DG
01289 304 535
Saturday, 3 September 2011
'Looking from a distance' gallery information
Paul Grimmer (UK)
Looking from a distance
Looking from a distance features two recent moving image works, Without Mind (2011) and Changeling (2010). Both pieces focus on movement in a contemplation of beauty, time, memory and transformation. These two video works are connected by a tension between the sense of intimacy and detachment in the handling of the subject, which in each case is a solo performer. In each work the movement has been digitally altered through editing processes, foregrounding our ways of looking and the weaving of possible psychological narratives.
Without Mind (2011) was developed through a cross-generational collaboration with the artist’s 80 year old Grandfather, who has practiced and taught the martial art of Karate for over 25 years and holds a black belt 3rd dan grade. Karate training involves the repeated practice of specific movement phrases or kata (form) until they can be performed without thought and with a clear mind, free from fear, anger and ego, a state known as Mushin. The work focuses on 3 of the advanced kata routines forming an intimate portrait of memory and capturing the skill, power, agility and focus involved in the discipline. Conventional assumptions of age and deterioration are also questioned as the work unfolds, dissecting time, slowing to reveal the detail of each movement. Familiar representations of the aging body are subverted to reveal a body that is strong, dynamic, monumentally present, dancing an intricate dance with an invisible opponent.
Changeling (2010) makes reference to the highly symmetrical structure and geometry of viruses and their transformative power. The work also references the symbolism associated with alchemy and the alchemical opus, repeating forms in nature, sacred geometry and architecture. Here, the artist’s own body has been physically and digitally transformed altering the image of the body, even further pushing it into abstraction. As this unfamiliar body moves in and out of focus suspended in space it is glimpsed not seen, it is taken apart, re-ordered and replicated into new and exotic forms in a meditation on beauty, perfection and difference.
Paul Grimmer was born in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1975 and studied Fine Art at Northumbria University. Since 2005 he has worked as an artist as well as coordinating events with live art organisation Platform North East and collaboratively setting up Piggyback Arts. He often works in collaboration and has spent time engaging with research in a number of scientific institutions/organisations in the UK. His moving image, installation and performance work explores the biological and psychological, focusing on gaps in understanding, tensions between opposing forces and the fluid nature of identity. Recent exhibitions include: ‘Changeling’ (Globe Gallery, North Shields), ‘Triparks’ (UK touring group exhibition) and screenings in the UK, USA and Europe of ‘Continuum’, a 360° video work made specifically for viewing in Planetariums. Paul Grimmer currently lives and works in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Changeling was developed during residencies with the Medical Research Council Virology Unit, (Glasgow), Allenheads Contemporary Arts (Northumberland) and Dance City (Newcastle upon Tyne). Developed with support from Arts Council England and Globe Gallery (Newcastle upon Tyne). Without Mind was developed during a residency with Dance City (Newcastle upon Tyne) and with support from Arts Council England.
Thanks to: Nick Able (Nick Able Music), Ewelina Aleksandrowicz & Andrzej Wojtas (Hacksquad), James Froment (Dance City), David Bhella (MRC), Jo Brossman (Arachnae Designs), Satinder Chumber, Tom Cullen (ArtAV), Wendy Erickson, George Grimmer, Kyle Heslop, Michelle Hirschhorn, John Smith and Fiona Wright.
Looking from a distance
Looking from a distance features two recent moving image works, Without Mind (2011) and Changeling (2010). Both pieces focus on movement in a contemplation of beauty, time, memory and transformation. These two video works are connected by a tension between the sense of intimacy and detachment in the handling of the subject, which in each case is a solo performer. In each work the movement has been digitally altered through editing processes, foregrounding our ways of looking and the weaving of possible psychological narratives.
Without Mind (2011) was developed through a cross-generational collaboration with the artist’s 80 year old Grandfather, who has practiced and taught the martial art of Karate for over 25 years and holds a black belt 3rd dan grade. Karate training involves the repeated practice of specific movement phrases or kata (form) until they can be performed without thought and with a clear mind, free from fear, anger and ego, a state known as Mushin. The work focuses on 3 of the advanced kata routines forming an intimate portrait of memory and capturing the skill, power, agility and focus involved in the discipline. Conventional assumptions of age and deterioration are also questioned as the work unfolds, dissecting time, slowing to reveal the detail of each movement. Familiar representations of the aging body are subverted to reveal a body that is strong, dynamic, monumentally present, dancing an intricate dance with an invisible opponent.
Changeling (2010) makes reference to the highly symmetrical structure and geometry of viruses and their transformative power. The work also references the symbolism associated with alchemy and the alchemical opus, repeating forms in nature, sacred geometry and architecture. Here, the artist’s own body has been physically and digitally transformed altering the image of the body, even further pushing it into abstraction. As this unfamiliar body moves in and out of focus suspended in space it is glimpsed not seen, it is taken apart, re-ordered and replicated into new and exotic forms in a meditation on beauty, perfection and difference.
Paul Grimmer was born in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1975 and studied Fine Art at Northumbria University. Since 2005 he has worked as an artist as well as coordinating events with live art organisation Platform North East and collaboratively setting up Piggyback Arts. He often works in collaboration and has spent time engaging with research in a number of scientific institutions/organisations in the UK. His moving image, installation and performance work explores the biological and psychological, focusing on gaps in understanding, tensions between opposing forces and the fluid nature of identity. Recent exhibitions include: ‘Changeling’ (Globe Gallery, North Shields), ‘Triparks’ (UK touring group exhibition) and screenings in the UK, USA and Europe of ‘Continuum’, a 360° video work made specifically for viewing in Planetariums. Paul Grimmer currently lives and works in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Changeling was developed during residencies with the Medical Research Council Virology Unit, (Glasgow), Allenheads Contemporary Arts (Northumberland) and Dance City (Newcastle upon Tyne). Developed with support from Arts Council England and Globe Gallery (Newcastle upon Tyne). Without Mind was developed during a residency with Dance City (Newcastle upon Tyne) and with support from Arts Council England.
Thanks to: Nick Able (Nick Able Music), Ewelina Aleksandrowicz & Andrzej Wojtas (Hacksquad), James Froment (Dance City), David Bhella (MRC), Jo Brossman (Arachnae Designs), Satinder Chumber, Tom Cullen (ArtAV), Wendy Erickson, George Grimmer, Kyle Heslop, Michelle Hirschhorn, John Smith and Fiona Wright.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
'Looking from a distance' at Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival 2011
'Looking from a distance' exhibition at the Gymnasium Gallery will be a part of this years Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival, which will run from the 23rd - 25th September. The programme is now online, click here for more information.
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Saturday, 5 March 2011
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Friday, 13 August 2010
Changeling closes at Globe tomorrow
Changeling
Preview: Thursday June 24th 18:30 - 20:30
Exhibition: Friday June 25th - Saturday August 14th (gallery opening times: Wednesday - Saturday, 11:30 - 17:00)
Globe Gallery
97 Howard Street
North Shields
NE30 1NA
0191 259 2614
info@globe gallery.org
Preview: Thursday June 24th 18:30 - 20:30
Exhibition: Friday June 25th - Saturday August 14th (gallery opening times: Wednesday - Saturday, 11:30 - 17:00)
Globe Gallery
97 Howard Street
North Shields
NE30 1NA
0191 259 2614
info@globe gallery.org
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
Changeling reviewed in The Journal
Review of on current Globe shows by David Whetstone, download PDF here.
Thursday, 15 July 2010
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Saturday, 26 June 2010
Changeling
Changeling from Paul Grimmer on Vimeo.
A portal to an unspecific place opens to reveal glimpses of a body form that constantly mutates. Changeling explores themes of control, ambiguity and the constructed self, challenging and transforming perceptions of beauty and perfection.
Peer through the looking glass into another world, an unseen world, some things seem familiar, some strange, like a dream. Here, in this other world a body moves, in and out of focus, suspended, opening and closing, forming and re-forming, seeking perfection, struggling to fit between ends always unknown.
Changeling is a gallery adaptation of the fulldome work Continuum and part of a larger body of work Mutations. The work was developed during residencies with the Medical Research Council, Virology Unit, Glasgow (2008), Allenheads Contemporary Arts, Northumberland (2009) and Dance City, Newcastle (2009).
Supported by: Allenheads Contemporary Arts, Arts Council England, Dance City, Globe Gallery & Medical Research Council.
After Effects Editor: Andrzej Wojtas
Sound Composition: Nick Able
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
Monday, 7 June 2010
Changeling
I am currently developing a new video work for a show at Globe Gallery, North Shields. Preparation began last week and the work is now being composited in Adobe After Effects by Andrzej Wojtas, who recently edited my fulldome work Continuum. The installation in the gallery consists of rear-projection onto 5' 5" diameter circular screen with a custom built frame by William Oliver & Rodman Russel Ltd. The construction of the circular steel frame is based on the design of an embroidery ring. The work will open next Thursday (17th June) at the gallery, which is located on Howard Street, North Shields. Click here for directions
The work is an outcome from the Mutations project, which looks at traditional notions of beauty, which are often bound up with balance, order and harmony. Alongside this, it considers imperfection, difference the struggle to 'fit', whether physically or psychologically. The ideas that developed out of the various periods of research - however abstracted and ambiguous - deal with transformation of self, image, identity and the potential beauty in imperfection and difference. Changeling, the new work in development for Globe gently approaches some of these ideas.
In Western European mythology a Changeling is the child of a fairy, troll, elf or other mythological creature left behind in place of a human child that has been taken. The term 'Changeling' came to represent the unknown in medieval literature, often being used to describe children with unidentified physical or mental disease or illness.
The research, which fed ideas into the development of the project looked at several very different tranformative processes. During the residency with the MRC Virology Unit I spent time observing the potential and often devastating method by which a virus particle enters and appropriates the human body at a cellular level. The virus manipulates our biology to gain an advantage, every part of the cell structure is utilised in the production of new virus progeny. In contrast, my time in rural Allenheads during the Base Elements residency led me to look at the alchemical opus and the quest for perfection though the transmutation of base metals into gold. Gold has a complex and conflicting role in the mythology of many cultures and still reflects ideas of status. It has been used to symbolise idolatry and the divine, a blessing and a curse.
In the work the body has been altered both physically and through digital editing becoming a hybrid of both traditional and contemporary notions of beauty, perfection and their opposites. We recognise the tail, a symbol of difference, a psychological manifestation, a mutation or a myth? In the early stages of development human embryos develop tail structures however, these recede and though there have been claims, there are no recorded instances of a human child being born with a tail. When ideas emerged for the prosthetic tail I was interested in this idea of an impossible mutation, a representation of the unseen, a physical projection of the unconscious, also a possible bringer of balance.
The work is an outcome from the Mutations project, which looks at traditional notions of beauty, which are often bound up with balance, order and harmony. Alongside this, it considers imperfection, difference the struggle to 'fit', whether physically or psychologically. The ideas that developed out of the various periods of research - however abstracted and ambiguous - deal with transformation of self, image, identity and the potential beauty in imperfection and difference. Changeling, the new work in development for Globe gently approaches some of these ideas.
In Western European mythology a Changeling is the child of a fairy, troll, elf or other mythological creature left behind in place of a human child that has been taken. The term 'Changeling' came to represent the unknown in medieval literature, often being used to describe children with unidentified physical or mental disease or illness.
The research, which fed ideas into the development of the project looked at several very different tranformative processes. During the residency with the MRC Virology Unit I spent time observing the potential and often devastating method by which a virus particle enters and appropriates the human body at a cellular level. The virus manipulates our biology to gain an advantage, every part of the cell structure is utilised in the production of new virus progeny. In contrast, my time in rural Allenheads during the Base Elements residency led me to look at the alchemical opus and the quest for perfection though the transmutation of base metals into gold. Gold has a complex and conflicting role in the mythology of many cultures and still reflects ideas of status. It has been used to symbolise idolatry and the divine, a blessing and a curse.
In the work the body has been altered both physically and through digital editing becoming a hybrid of both traditional and contemporary notions of beauty, perfection and their opposites. We recognise the tail, a symbol of difference, a psychological manifestation, a mutation or a myth? In the early stages of development human embryos develop tail structures however, these recede and though there have been claims, there are no recorded instances of a human child being born with a tail. When ideas emerged for the prosthetic tail I was interested in this idea of an impossible mutation, a representation of the unseen, a physical projection of the unconscious, also a possible bringer of balance.
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