An
instructive day at Kings, a puppetry workshop, working as part of synthetic
anatomy, animating, and infusing life into inanimate sheets of paper run by Alicia
Britt. Lots to think about and potentially some things to incorporate into my
own workshop toolbox. If
you have several lifetimes, or maybe a couple of days, there is an
extraordinary show at the newly reopened Raven Row gallery – called People
make Television its hours of TV from the 70s where in a modern-day
short-lived experiment into public ownership of open door broadcasting the BBC
provided access to cameras and the skills to make programs. All you had to do
was to have an idea with a community focused issue and complete a form. Its an
astounding repository, a snapshot of the 70s in all its darkness. On the way home dropped
into Big Women at Firstsite, an eclectic exhibition/collection of art made by women,
the private view was solid, and it was great to meet so many familiar faces. Being in Colchester was an opportunity to check up on a large public artwork I created for
Distillery Pond. Its always odd to return to former work but it was great to
see that it was as I had last left it. The words cut into the stone resonated
and the shape reflecting what was once there. It stands as an object that has almost
lost its connection to its formation but still has purpose. Onto screens - You People – funny in
parts - a return to form for Eddie Murphy, but it is what it is. The Fabelmans
– awesome and so clever, a gloriously celebratory film about the making of films
that explores film making. The Vow – did they run out of money at the
end? The Locksmith – so many inevitable scenarios. All the bright
places – just so sad. Empire of Light – gentle yet forceful.