In conversation: Melanie Jackson and Esther Leslie

About

In a series of moving image works and ceramic sculptures, Jackson continues her ongoing investigation into mutability and transformation, which takes its lead from Goethe's concept of the primal plant, the Urpflanze, that contained coiled up within it the potential to unfurl all possible future forms. To coincide with South London Art Map (SLAM) Last Fridays, FTHo will present a kitchen salon with Melanie Jackson and Esther Leslie in conversation. The discussion will elaborate upon Goethe's concept of the Urpflanze and how as a model for thinking it can transfigure across the social, political and artistic spectrum, acting as a narrative gateway to science fiction and folkloric myths. Melanie Jackson has collaborated with writer Esther Leslie on the production of a text that has informed the work and a publication, THE UR-PHENOMENON, that is available as part of The Urpflanze (Part 2). Esther Leslie is Professor of Political Aesthetics at Birkbeck, University of London. In 2002 she published Hollywood Flatlands: Animation, Critical Theory, and the Avant Garde. A subsequent book, Synthetic Worlds: Art, Nature and the Chemical Industry, investigated the industrial manufacture of colour and its impact on conceptions of nature and aesthetics. Leslie also runs the website Militant Esthetix with Ben Watson. To reserve a free place please email info@flattimeho.org.uk Melanie Jackson: The Urpflanze (Part 2) continues until May 12th open Thurs-Sun 12-6pm Please see http://www.flattimeho.org.uk/project/85/ for more information. Melanie Jackson's The Urpflanze (Part 2), is commissioned by The Arts Catalyst.