Iain Forsyth & Jane Pollard: Idiot Box, Kate MacGarry
Kate MacGarry gallery in east London hosts rising film artists Iain Forsyth & Jane Pollard in the wake of their 2015 BAFTA nomination
Still from Chain Smoker, Tap Dancer, copyright Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard
Hot on the heels of their critically acclaimed film 20,000 Day’s on Earth, which won a string of awards at The British Independent Film Awards, the Sundance Film Festival, as well as a BAFTA nomination, Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard are back – this time as curators and artists at their forthcoming exhibition Idiot Box at Kate MacGarry gallery.
Who are Forsyth & Pollard?
Forsyth and Pollard met 20 years as students at Goldsmiths, University of London. Inspired by performance and music culture, the pair became known for their re-enactments of performances such David Bowie’s final show as Ziggy Stardust, and the Nick Cave Iain Forsyth & Jane Pollard music video.
Ian Forsyth & Jane Pollard: Kate MacGarry London
Idiot Box comprises a bank of nine 1980s/1990s style TV monitors, on which a number of short films by various artists are being played consecutively at the Kate MacGarry art gallery. The show’s title, Idiot Box, is a reference to TV culture and also invokes the irreverent and playful tone of the films.
The exact artists and films are still under wraps, but we do know that on view is Forsyth and Pollards’s first film, Chain Smoker, Tap Dancer, which was made when the duo were students in the 1990s. An early experiment in self-portraiture, the work is an entertaining cross between teenage notions of ‘rock and roll cool’ and seaside amateur dramatics. Chain Smoker, Tapdancer gives us an insight into how Forsyth and Pollard began their career as artists, and their journey from writing and directing short films to their stunning first feature film 20,000 Day’s on Earth.
The films range from stop animation, single static takes and performances to found footage, but they are all linked by the idea of the TV box as a frame or stage and the associations of the cube as an idiot box. Forsyth and Pollard say they have chosen works that they find particularly inspiring. If it’s anything like 20,000 Days on Earth – this show will be an exhibition in east London not to be missed.
Who are Forsyth & Pollard?
Forsyth and Pollard met 20 years as students at Goldsmiths, University of London. Inspired by performance and music culture, the pair became known for their re-enactments of performances such David Bowie’s final show as Ziggy Stardust, and the Nick Cave Iain Forsyth & Jane Pollard music video.
Ian Forsyth & Jane Pollard: Kate MacGarry London
Idiot Box comprises a bank of nine 1980s/1990s style TV monitors, on which a number of short films by various artists are being played consecutively at the Kate MacGarry art gallery. The show’s title, Idiot Box, is a reference to TV culture and also invokes the irreverent and playful tone of the films.
The exact artists and films are still under wraps, but we do know that on view is Forsyth and Pollards’s first film, Chain Smoker, Tap Dancer, which was made when the duo were students in the 1990s. An early experiment in self-portraiture, the work is an entertaining cross between teenage notions of ‘rock and roll cool’ and seaside amateur dramatics. Chain Smoker, Tapdancer gives us an insight into how Forsyth and Pollard began their career as artists, and their journey from writing and directing short films to their stunning first feature film 20,000 Day’s on Earth.
The films range from stop animation, single static takes and performances to found footage, but they are all linked by the idea of the TV box as a frame or stage and the associations of the cube as an idiot box. Forsyth and Pollard say they have chosen works that they find particularly inspiring. If it’s anything like 20,000 Days on Earth – this show will be an exhibition in east London not to be missed.
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| What | Iain Forsyth & Jane Pollard: Idiot Box, Kate MacGarry |
| Where | Kate MacGarry Gallery, 27 Old Nichol Street, London, E2 7HR | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Liverpool Street (underground) |
| When |
06 Mar 15 – 18 Apr 15, Wednesday - Saturday 12.00 - 18.00 |
| Price | £Free |
| Website | Click here for more details |