Ramblings

All of this interpreted information passed around every day, completely subjective and relative to our own limited existence.

What is it that I want to say? What do I want to put back into this animal soup from which I have extracted so much and yet so little? I am always in relation to something else, but ultimately there is no outside or inside, it just is. I always want to speak directly to someone. But I feel as if they either understand to a certain extent already whatever I could say, or never will, and if they do; what comes after? Does it really matter whether we agree or disagree on an idea? Even I am prone to changing my mind.

The universe is infinitely large and infinitely small, and somehow it is all connected, but the distance between any two objects is always infinite. We have our own self-conceived notions of distance, time and other abstractions set on a human scale, but there are some things that we may never be able measure. Do I feel confined by popular definitions? Can I really use words to articulate myself effectively if they have an accepted meaning but are simultaneously malleable? It is representation, not the actual thing, but even the actual thing is not a fixed thing. Can two people ever truly connect? What is my ultimate goal, not just in my creations, but in life? Should my art reflect this? At times the most primitive urges and actions seem to dispel all angst and focus the bulk of my existence to a fine point that aims toward a visibly attainable target, evoking a sense of momentary satisfaction when that target is reached. There are other times, though, when that distant and elusive sentient flicker of transcendentalism beckons and urges me to pursue it.

I can either stay within my comfort zone or move out into the wilderness. Do I think too much, or not enough? What is it all worth and who decides?

Worthless

Inspired by the recession and compelled to create something positive, Josef Valentino, Founder and Creative Director of Pollocks is launching ‘Worthless’, a live art installation that explores the value of material items in the heart of Seven Dials. For one week only (22^nd–29^th May) members of the public will be invited to bring their own ‘worthless’ items into the store and have them transformed into pieces of art.

With Worthless, Valentino intends to explore the concept that one man’s junk is another man’s treasure, challenging current perceptions of ‘worth’ and providing a service that will benefit artists and participants involved.

Says Valentino; “Worthless is a harsh, derogative word - but what exactly does it mean? The term applies as much to every day junk as it does to retail casualties of the current economic climate – none more dramatic than the recent demise of retail giant, Woolworths.”

The Worthless store event, Valentino’s first since Blank Canvas in July last year on Carnaby Street, will pay homage to the institution that was Woolworths, via ironic references throughout the installation space.

Valentino continues; “I don’t want to give too much away at this stage but the shop signage will be undeniably recognisable. On entering the store people will experience -

some very British institutional eccentricities. The aisles, the checkouts, a tanoy system, truly ‘helpful’ staff and shopping bags are all included!”

A team of Pollocks creatives will be working continually in the basement workshop on the transformations. The experience cumulates for participants when on collection of their item, the customer will be asked how much they now think the item is worth. This amount is what the customer will then pay for the item, and all proceeds will be split equally between Pollocks and the Artists. The pick of ‘worthless to priceless’ creations will be exhibited in the store from 1^st – 5^th June with several items being auctioned on behalf of the ‘MS Society’.

Valentino adds; “The exciting part is that we have really incredible talent lined up to participate in the transformation stages including some high profile Designers and Artists. This event will be an exciting example of how the negative outcomes of a recession can have positive impacts for other people/areas of society...”

Donna Lambert from Shaftesbury PLC, landlords of the Seven Dials area, “We are very excited about facilitating this great activity within Seven Dials, making use of this unit in an innovative way and also giving the consumer and visitor to Seven Dials another great experience”.

All We Do Is Party

I have been extremely busy for the last few weeks, hence the lack of updates. This is what I have been up to:




On Tuesday I went to see the Anette Messager exhibition that was being held at the Hayward Gallery. The central piece was titled 'Casino', and was a theatrical interpretation of a portion of the story of Pinocchio. It played on rotation, lasting fifteen minutes total, and was contained within a room with a doorway at the far wall with another room visible beyond. The floors of both rooms were covered in a red material that would raise and lower as air was pumped under it from an unseen source, making it ripple and move as if it were liquid. Underneath the fabric there lit up small fabric constructions that looked like illuminated buildings, while black organic-shaped 'entities' descended from the ceiling and a projection of a clock appeared in the background. The first instance the fabric rippled to life and the air pump sent waves moving outward was chilling, reminiscent of the scene in Kubrick's The Shining when the elevator opens to reveal a tide of blood.

I also really liked a piece titled Articulated-Disarticulated which consisted of various animals, including cows, some moving or being dragged and some still, which was influenced by the outbreak of mad-cow disease and seemed to highlight the frailty and whimsical tragedy of human and animal life. Messager's work conveyed a dark playfulness that was both morbid and humorous, and genuinely interesting.


Later that night:

The following day:

This is me on stage at Alternative Miss World:

On Sunday I went to the Tiga Ciao! album launch party hosted by Bugged Out in a warehouse on Scrutton Street with my friends Becky and Al. We hooked up with Matt Walsh, who was sharing the bill with Tiga, and danced for many hours. The Proxy also played and was superb.

On Monday I went to see the Art Against Knives exhibition set up by Katy Dawe, Oliver Helmsley and others, which was held at the old Shoreditch Town Hall. The exhibition featured works by high profile artists ranging from Banksy to Antony Gormley, but also showcased pieces by art students and up-and-coming talent, and it was excellent.


On Wednesday I attended the Disco 24 re-opening, hosted by My Beautiful City, which featured a performance by Johnny BlueEyes and music from guest DJs Alice Dellal and Pixie Geldof.

Thursday night, Hannah Holland's popular monthly party Bastard Batty Bass at The Star of Bethnal Green:

On Friday Mmmélanie (Pump) DJ'd at Beach Blanket Babylon with Lucile Troquet (Night Bright), and they were both amazing.