Transitions' (Curators Edition)

IS FILM FIASCO, OR ENTERTAINMENT? from the Cornishman

FRANK RUHRMUND

09:00 - 14 February 2008

Perched high on the tall, wooden set they had constructed in the upper gallery of Newlyn Art Gallery, artists Andy Whall (Jake the Monster) and Delpha Hudson (Madame Sacamano) examined and discussed the contents of Walter Benjamin's black briefcase while being filmed by Alban Roinard.

An activity which ended in seeming anger with papers being flung every which way, it was but part of That's Entertainment which, in its turn, was part of the third slot in the gallery's annual Transition (Curators' Edition) programme.As the artists said, the irony in the title of their work was intentional as it may or may not have been in the least entertaining.

Their endgame was the creation of a performance they hoped to present on the last night of their five-day run.

Bravely, they pointed out that all they have been doing throughout their Transition slot had been documented by film-maker Alban Roinard, and if their project proved a fiasco, they would still go ahead anyway with the film being shown even though it might document their failure.


Transition: Curators' Edition culminates on Sunday, February 17, when, from 2-5pm, each of the curators will give a short presentation of his or her five-day slot.

Admission to this is free and all are welcome but, as capacity is limited, advance booking is advised.

Contact Newlyn Art Gallery on 01736 363715.


photo's by Andy Hughes taken on the Saturday night

One viewers version of the leadup to the performance.........."I came to see the show 'between' performances. It
was surreal! You were sat on the chair in a foetal
position in full clown's costume and make-up. Andy
Whall was spreadeagled on the floor, running his
fingers through his hair, like he was trying to put
his head on straight. Chief clown was in full flow
telling you how to make people laugh - and welcome
people in. We were there on the edge not sure if we
were interrupting a private moment that we weren't
supposed to see in a public place. I scuttled in to
have a look at the video of someone running away as
fast as they could - which apparently coincided with
the point el supremo clown turned to greet me as a
demonstration of how it's done - so he got my
retreating back....and so it went on. Reminded me of
that mad Bruce Nauman video.

there was something very perfect about the
contradictions in the encounter - that made me
laugh!

I wish I could've seen more"