Art, Design & Politics: A Modernist Perspective

Post World War I design and architecture virtually rejected the natural world in favour of celebrating man-made forms. This predilection led to some extraordinarily complex and arguably beautiful works of engineering and architectural design which were in turn displayed to near perfection by a compatible photography equally obsessed with abstract geometric form, vast scale and starkly contrasted tones.

In Framing Modernism - Architecture & Photography in Italy 1926-1965, the current exhibition of more than 100 images from the RIBA archives, this correlation of medium is analysed from a design perspective. In reviewing the exhibition for A World To Win, Corinna Lotz wonders why, particularly given the current political climate, the evident implications, inspiration and political issues that led to this world changing movement, have been underplayed.

From: Corinna Lotz, A World To Win, 7May09
"...Framing Modernism offers a chance to widen debates over Modernism’s legacy ... This outing of vintage and new prints from original negatives could provide a new case study in how Modernism related to political power structures and the reality of people’s daily lives ... Angiolo Mazzoni’s Marine Colony seaside camp is dedicated to Mussolini’s mother Rosa Maltoni ... If you didn’t know it was built to glorify Hitler’s ally, you could be forgiven for seeing it as a great effort to provide masses of school children with the chance of a sea-side holiday. As David Crowley has noted: “The years after Mussolini’s consolidation of power in October 1926 were marked by a strong degree of cultural pluralism … at the same time, artists and designers of all stripes were keen to court power.”"
Read the full review here

Framing Modernism is on show at the Estorick Collection, Highbury until 21 June.

Furniture On The Street

Vocational training for unemployed; workshops; experience and education for marginalised youth; confidence and inspiration growth; commissions; community outreach; wood reclamation and re-use; products designed and constructed by trainees; sold to local councils, charities and others - all in a days work for social enterprise scheme, Furniture On The Street (FOS).

Based in Tower Hamlets, the project has so far provided training for 37 people, helping them back or on to work producing quality pieces of local street furniture. Whilst local communities benefit from the divertion of young people from unemployment to skilled trade this inspiring initiative also ensures that timber from London's demolition sites is diverted from landfill and turned instead into useful products for the London community. A win-win situation.

"Furniture On The Street supplies high quality contemporary street furniture aimed at local authorities, housing associations, landscape designers and building contractors.
The enterprise was established by the Old Ford Housing Association, part of Circle Anglia with grant funding from the European Social Fund (ESF). The project is based in Bow, in a socially deprived area of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, and was part of a regeneration initiative which grew out of a training programme for local youths in furniture making."

Visit the FOS website to find out more.
Source: Jo Adetunji, Guardian, 6May09 via Ethical Pulse

Art Not Oil

"Art Not Oil aims to encourage artists - and would-be artists - to create work that explores the damage that companies like BP and Shell are doing to the planet, and the role art can play in counteracting that damage.

It is designed in part to paint a truer portrait of an oil company than the caring image manufactured by events such as the BP Portrait Award, Shell's sponsorship of classic drama at the National Theatre, and other 'cultural activities' of the oil multinationals which also happen to divert public attention away from their actual activities. Climate chaos is set to have a catastrophic effect on all of us, while hitting the poorest hardest. The companies most responsible are profiting handsomely, yet they're still welcome it seems in many of our most prestigious public galleries and museums."

More here

The Papered Parlour Open Day 2May09

The Papered Parlour is a fabulous new art space set up by Claire & Louise, two young south London artists in Clapham. Providing a variety of classes, exhibitions and studio places, the parlour is designed to be a drop in space for artists, art-lovers, crafsters and anyone in the community who would like to get involved.

The Papered Parlour classes, taught by University of the Arts London graduates, take influence from the Make Do And Mend approach of the post war period. Promoting sustainability, classes aim to use recycled fabrics as much as possible.

For children and youthful adults alike vintage themed parties can be enjoyed at the Parlour. The Mad Hatter's Tea Party and Wonka Chocolate Challenge will keep young ones entertained as well as creatively challenged whilst grown up cocktail parties and dances are available for retro hipsters.

Promoting sustainable creativity, revolutionary craft and community participation, The Papered Parlour sounds so delightfully magical that we can't wait to visit. To celebrate the launch of this delightful addition to South London's creative community, The Papered Parlour is hosting a free Open Day this Saturday. Pop down to Prescott Place to meet the artists and help them celebrate:

"10.30am - 12.30pm - Exhibition Preview: What Comes Around
Katherine May and Clara Vuletich ‘upcycle’ mid century furniture with pre loved fabrics. Featuring contemporary quilted upholstery alongside hand printed wallpaper.

11.30am – 3.30pm - Craft Kiosk
Shop at our bustling indoor market showcasing inspirational work by some of London’s top designer-makers.

12.30pm – 3.30pm - The Great Proletarian Clothes Swap
From Hermes to High Street, come along to swap and customise unwanted items of clothing. With designers on hand to help you cut, print and sew your way to couture heaven - you’re guaranteed to leave with a fabulous addition to your wardrobe.

1.30pm – 4.00pm - Fidgeting Finger Fun
Keep your fidgeting fingers busy for hours! Parents and kids join forces to stitch and stuff revolutionary mutant mascots from second hand toys.

4pm - 6pm - Tea Dance
Enjoy a slice of mid-century glamour. Expect top notch tea and indulgent cakes accompanied by music hall legend Vic Charters."

The Papered Parlour
7 Prescott Place, London, SW4 6BS
020 7627 8703
The Papered Parlour

Source: ArtsAdmin