Bulletin

Autonomy by definition is the right to self govern or freedom from external control. Autonomy finds its roots in the Greek autonomia ‘independent, living by one’s own laws’.This was shown perfectly in an amalgamation of arts during a magnificent evening to mark the open the new Londonewcastle project space – Gallery 46 at Whitechapel.

Gallery 46 is housed in a pair of newly renovated Georgian houses in the grounds of Whitechapel Hospital, and is set over 3 floors and 8 rooms giving a sense of intrigue as you climb higher to discover the depths of the building and the art within. The exhibition ranges from pictures, to installations and videos, each showcasing autonomy in their own way.

Each piece of art evokes a strong feeling of freedom from external influences and controls. On the mid floor landing a female body lies suspended in the air over a carpet in the middle of the walkway, giving the message of her right to self govern and sleep where and how she desires. The top floor is home to 2 rooms showing videos, one of a woman slowly folding a huge length of paper along the streets of London. The other shows a man dressed in a swan-like costume, frolicking on the beach surrounded by astounded locals who eventually begin to join in. These both show autonomy in the way the performers have no regard for what onlookers think of their strange actions. Every piece in the Autonomy show invites you to live by your own laws, in a world full of claustrophobic rules and stereotypes.

The show is well worth a visit, not only for the art but for its quirky location and set up. A perfect way to spend a summer's evening.

Autonomy will be running from 8th September – 9th October at 46 Ashfield Street, Whitechapel

Monday – CLOSED
Tuesday to Friday 12pm – 7pm
Evenings available by appointment

Saturday 12pm – 6pm
Sunday by appointment only

What do you think of when you hear the architectural term ‘Brutalism’? Simon Phipps is ready to challenge all your preconceptions of the Brutalist building in his solo exhibition in London: BÉTON BRUT on at the Foundry Gallery in Chelsea until October 27th.

BÉTON BRUT showcases a new series of architectural photographs screen printed in monochrome onto brushed aluminium. Phipps' careful selection of materials for his work captures one of the properties of Brutalism, ‘its not concerned with the material, but the quality of the material, what can that material do?’ The use of a halftone screen and the aluminium moves the photograph away from the representational to become more sculptural. Our very own Balfron is showcased extensively.

Phipps has spent the last 15 years photographing and documenting Brutalist and buildings in the UK, creating a survey of photographic images that demonstrate the breadth of this contentious architectural style. His photography plays with the viewer’s perspective of the buildings; he has an innovative way of looking at these dynamic constructions finding interesting new vistas and perspectives to capture our imagination.

The venerable Roundhouse in Old London Town's very own Chalk Farm has now fully completed its restoration.

Its notorious history as a counter-cultural and avant-garde venue started over 50 years ago when, as a former Gin Factory, it hosted the launch of the International Times. Since then it has enjoyed a fabulously colourful, psychedlic reputation as a place to expand one's cultural horizons. Everybody with anything interesting to say has performed there. CEO and Artistic Director Marcus Davey has brought the venue back to its former glory to become what, the Sunday Times refers to as 'part welfare project, part rock and theatre venue'.

To celebrate the anniversary the Roundhouse is launching a micro-site: 50.roundhouse.org.uk

Also later this month there is an Arena TV special on BBC4.