News

Summer events anounced for Open Space Programme

Open Space is part of Genius Loci, a major three-year public art project developed and funded by Essex County Council and managed by Commissions East. The Open Space programme, running throughout the summer, features four temporary art projects, curated by Jane Watt. Damien Robinson & Stuart Bowditch’s ‘Vibe Cube,' Miranda Sharp’s ‘I ♥ Basildon’ and Matt Cook's 'Play Harlow' now have dates where people can interact with the art and artists. Both Matt Cook and Gordon Flemons have launched websites about their projects in Harlow and Colchester.

Making Tracks - Performing Place

Working wirh communities in the historic town of Colchester, artist Gordon Flemons has tracked volunteers performing their routine journeys. These paths in space and time were recorded using GPS data loggers and used to create 3D drawings and virtual sculptures unique to each group.

For more information, to view the forms and to download video clips of the animated drawings for your mobile, please visit www.performingplace.com which will be launched on 26 August 2009.

Vibe Cube Events

Damien Robinson & Stuart Bowditch’s ‘Vibe³’ (Vibe Cube) is a sonic installation with both a virtual and physical form. The sound ecology of a location is an intangible, ephemeral and often overlooked facet of our environment; Vibe Cube aims to showcase the extraordinary nature of the familiar soundscapes of Basildon, Colchester and Harlow.

Residents of the three towns have been invited to submit both recordings and ideas for recordings which they feel reflect the history, character, and individuality of their area – anything from wildlife to nightlife. These have been collected by Stuart and Damien and played back via the physical Vibe Cube which is also a resonating instrument where sounds can be experienced by touch as well as heard.

For a full list of the dates and venues where Vibe Cube can be experienced follow the link on the right or click here.

This ever-changing digital programme will also be accessible via the Vibe Cube/Open Space website. At the end of the project, the recordings will be donated to the Essex Sound and Video Archive, where they will help to form a more detailed picture of Essex; what it is like now and how it is changing.

Stuart will be talking about the Vibe Cube project at Harlow Library at 2pm on 25 June.

‘I ♥ Basildon’ Events

Miranda Sharp’s ‘I ♥ Basildon’ investigates the unique spirit of the town using participant observation, installation and performance to document Basildon in 2009. From her 1950s style nail booth she will exchange a free manicure in return for people’s anecdotes, reminiscences and reflections about their town. Miranda is working with a number of local individuals and groups including Swan Housing Association, Sue Ryder Care, Laindon Community Centre and Basildon Market to uncover experiences and ideas of place.

For a full list of the dates and venues where you can meet Miranda follow the link on the right or click here.

Play Harlow!

During two games over four days, artist Matt Cook will be in public spaces to demonstrate his Game Table - a kinetic sculpture and bike trailer representing a map of Harlow used to illustrate the live game. Matt will invite pre-registered teams and passers-by to play. Competing teams will be given maps directing them to nearby places via specific routes with instructions of what to look out for and activities to complete along the way.

The Game Table is the centrepiece of a larger sculptural map spread around Harlow, illustrating some of Matt's experiences walking around the town.

Play Harlow! is looking for teams of between two and five players. For more information and to register your team, please visit www.playharlow.com

For a full list of the dates and venues where you can Play Harlow follow the link on the right or click here.

 

More information on all the Open Space projects visit www.openspaceessex.org