A fascinating exhibition which uses art as a positive force for change opens at the University of Sunderland’s Vardy Gallery this week.
‘The Optimistic Mood: a foundation for action’ features the work of seven international artists looking at how art can create change for the better in all of our lives.
‘The Possible Gesture’, by Argentinian artist Sonia Abián, relates to empty promises made by politicians in her home town of Posadas. In her video she walks through the streets of Posadas giving away t-shirts - on which are printed promises for social and economic change – to local people in the hope of democratic change.
Storyteller, inventor, musician and street orator Scoli Acosta combines poetic stories and bizarre characters in his ‘Delusions of Grandeur’, which opens the exhibition.
Filmmaker Cécile Hartmann creates seductive stories from still images in her piece ‘Time and Tide’, while Chris Johanson’s paintings and drawings present a sensitive and non-cynical view of the world.
‘Prisoners’ Inventions’ by Temporary Services, is a collaborative project with Angelo, an artist and inmate in a California prison. Angelo’s detailed drawings and description of inventions made by inmates - intended to make life in prison more comfortable and convenient - bear witness to human creativity and the will to create a better existence under adverse conditions.
‘The Optimistic Mood’ is curated by Julie Deamer, Eileen Sommerman and Deborah Smith. Julie Deamer lives in Los Angeles and is the founding director of Outpost for Contemporary Art. Eileen Sommerman is an art writer based in Toronto and Paris. Deborah Smith is founding director of smith + fowle, based in London.
The exhibition, at the Vardy Gallery, University of Sunderland, Ashburne House, Ryhope Road, Sunderland, until Friday, June 4, 2004. The gallery is open: Tuesday 10am to 8pm, Wednesday to Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturday by appointment.