Arts

Exhibition on Argentinean dictatorship

Argentina’s ‘Dirty War’ and military dictatorship are the inspiration behind the first exhibition in the University Gallery this year.

A Relentless Critique of Power showcases a collection of works by Leon Ferrari, one of Argentina’s most controversial artists, and coincides with the 30th anniversary of the start of Argentina’s ‘Dirty War.’

The works on show are drawn from the University of Essex Collection of Latin American Art (UECLAA) and include Ferrari’s little-known series entitled The Architecture of Madness.

One of the pieces from the exhibition by Leon Ferrari

Ferrari works in a variety of mediums, including sculpture, photomontage and even electronic art. For over 40 years he has enraged the right wing political elements in his home country with his relentless explorations of how power corrupts.
This exhibition also includes works created by Ferrari in response to the USA’s recent foreign policy.

A Relentless Critique of Power has been guest-curated by Gabriela Salgao, former Curator of UECLAA.

The exhibition will be on show until 2 November. Admission is free and opening times are as follows: Monday to Friday 11am-5pm, and Saturday 1pm-4.30pm.

Matthew’s Florida episode

Gallery Studies Course Director Matthew Poole travelled to Miami Beach last month as co-curator of an exhibition of lens-based work by nine emerging UK-based artists.

Episode opened at the ArtCenter South Florida, which usually showcases the work of South Florida’s contemporary artists, on September 16.

The exhibition explores, via the media of video and photography, how images that are interpreted as natural and factual are constructed and perceived.

The ArtCenter’s Executive Director, Jeremy Chestler, said: ‘With the exhibition Episode, we have the unique opportunity to engage visitors in a dialogue on contemporary art created locally and internationally.’

The exhibition was hosted earlier this year at temporarycontemporary at Deptford Bridge, London, and at Leeds Metropolitan Gallery.

Matthew, who works in the Department of Art History and Theory, has curated a number of exhibitions, and has previously held posts as Curator at The Economist Plaza and Assistant Curator at Gasworks Gallery in London.

Eclectic theatre programme launched

This term’s arts brochure, which introduces an exciting arts programme, has undergone a transformation thanks to a re-vamped design.

The brochure, produced by the Arts Office, offers information on theatre and gallery events. It is anticipated this autumn’s selection of theatre productions and concerts will impress audiences.

The first stage production will be a professional physical theatre show Memento Mori, an exploration of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice will be at the Lakeside Theatre on 18 October.

Other productions this term include Think no Evil of Us: My Life with Kenneth Williams on 15 November and two student performances from the Theatre Arts Society. The term will be rounded off with an amateur production of the much-loved musical Calamity Jane performed by Essex Group Youth in December, and Dick Whittington, performed by Kids Acting and Theatre Skills in January.

The Lakeside Theatre will also offer a number of musical performances during the term with six lunchtime concerts as well as a concert by the Quince Quartet to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth.

For further information see www.essex.ac.uk/arts.