30 Dec 2018
We really enjoyed this commission: Five hundred children visited Whitechapel Gallery on 28 January 1973 to
learn about sweets as a popular art. An enticing display of
confectionary including Belgian chocolate coins, French lollipops shaped
as the Eiffel Tower, gummy mice from Germany, coffee-flavoured Hopjes
from Holland, Italian marzipan fruits, salty licorice from Denmark,
Irish mints and toffee from Yorkshire – was part of the ‘Fanfare for
Europe’ celebrations, marking Britain’s entry into the European Common
Market. Billed as a ‘Sweet Feast’, visitors were invited to sample
candies that had been donated by some of the manufacturers. The
exhibition came to an unexpected end when the children overwhelmed the
guard and devoured all the displays.
So, a new film by Ulla von Brandenburg commissioned by Whitechapel Gallery with Le Prix Marcel
Duchamp, following her nomination in 2016 for this prestigious annual
award, recreates the event. Renowned for a body of work drawing on
theatre and performance to explore complex social issues, von
Brandenburg has also designed a colourful seating structure resembling a
landscape, transforming spectator into participant.
Filmed with children from the Arnhem Wharf Primary School, von Brandenburg explores the dynamics between the individual and the group; and the hopes of young people at a time when Brexit may limit opportunities for future generations.
We also enjoyed this great show: Mikhail Karikis: No ordinary protest. Can sound mobilise socio-political and physical change? Working across film, sound and performance, Greek-British artist Mikhail Karikis
adopts the children’s science fiction novel ‘The Iron Woman’
(1993) by British writer Ted Hughes (1930–98) as an ecofeminist parable
in which communal listening and noise-making become tools to transform
the world. Visually stunning and very enjoyable!
On Monday the 31st, we visited the 'Sky Garden'. It's London's highest garden and offers guests fantastic views out over the City. Well worth a visit... and your experience is free!
Filmed with children from the Arnhem Wharf Primary School, von Brandenburg explores the dynamics between the individual and the group; and the hopes of young people at a time when Brexit may limit opportunities for future generations.
10 out of 10
