(Above) Picture courtesy the Lanchester Gallery
Exhibition: Unspeaking Engagements, Lanchester Gallery, Coventry, until March 19 2010
"What is art?" may be the age-old question, but in the world of international contemporary art you are more likely to hear people ask, "what does art do?"
New work is often participatory or relational, engaging with themes of performance and performativity. Or at least that much is the case at Unspeaking Engagements.
Performance, interactive media and video all feature at the Lanchester Gallery show, along with drawing, found objects and site specific installation.
It all promises to offer a shifting experience to the viewer, rather than a visit filled with detached contemplation and abstract conclusions.
Specifically, work has been chosen which somehow cultivates an awareness of the body in time and space. This is art which does something indeed.
The show is curated by Brian Curtin and Steve Dutton with 13 artists from as far afield as Thailand, Taiwan and Singapore, and as close to home as Ireland and the UK.
Last year, Unspeaking Engagements was shown at the Arts Centre of Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok.
The relocation to Coventry should demonstrate art never does the same thing twice.
Admission free. Open 10am-5pm Monday-Friday.
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