A Ward Winning
A free event at the New British Library Building from Fri 12 to Sun 14 combines state-of-the art technology and work by the Mary Ward Over Sixties Drama Group. Document A (aptly, through coincidentally titled, given its location) is a large-scale interactive video made by Simon Biggs.
Produced to celebrate the 1996 European Year of Lifelong Learning by 1st Framework, the moving force behind other huge scale art / theatre events such as a spectacular production of Aristophanes 'The Birds' on the rooftops of Camden Lock, the event challenged preconceptions about art and aging through its juxtaposition of high-tec equipment and people of a generation supposedly reluctant to embrace it. Images of members of the Mary Ward Over Sixties Drama Group, projected onto the entrance arch of the building, will 'respond' to viewers, who can go along to see the work from outside the arch from 7-9pm or book ahead for the full interactive experience on a supervised trip, 4.30 - 7pm (you get access to the courtyard belong the arch, too). The audience is a vital part of the work: without you it will remain a static image, a book unread. From Jan 20 - 28, the work will be on view inside the South London Gallery, where it will become Document B, and the alphabet will progress further when 1st Framework take up the British Council's invitation to take Document to Australia.
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Document: Simon Biggs
Thank you for your letter received 4th March. I was very impressed indeed with 'Document'. It is one of the few pieces I have yet seen using computer technology which I have found both visually and conceptually powerful. Your collaboration offers great potential for further work. Please keep us informed.
Yours sincerely
Marjorie Allthorpe-Guyton
Director of Visual Arts