Stu Herring: Existence Experiments

About

In ‘Existence Experiments', Stu Herring exhibits the preparatory drawings of his recent performances as well as drawings of unrealised or imaginary projects. Herring creates work to expand his personal understanding of existence and society, he undertakes ceremonial tasks designed to alter his perceived reality and challenge that of the viewer's perception of ‘normal' or ‘ordinary' behaviour. Herring's performances encompass ritualistic elements from various cultures — borrowing ideas from the sadhus, the Hindu holy men of India, and the stylites or pillar-saints, the Christian ascetics in the early days of the Byzantine Empire (in modern day Turkey) who lived on pillars, preaching, fasting and praying. Herring plays with the characteristics of asceticism, the practice of abstinence or restraint. He often puts himself into situations that test the body's endurance or place restrictions on his movements or are physically isolating. Within these solitary tasks, Herring finds himself in a mindset that by contrast to his gruelling actions, furthers his personal understanding of freedom. In allowing these acts to be viewed Herring hopes to evoke feelings, or awaken memories within viewers of their own everyday struggles to maintain their individual freedom in what often seems an increasingly regimented and confining world. Stu Herring was born in 1987 in Newcastle upon Tyne and lives in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. He studied MA Fine Art (2012-13) and BA (Hons) Fine Art (2006-09) at Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne. Exhibitions include ‘Momentum Collective', Blackhall Studios, London (2012), ‘Social lubricant', Moving Gallery, Newcastle upon Tyne (2011), ‘Bath', Erasmus show, Academy Minerva, Groningen, The Netherlands (2008). The Late Shows 2014, Saturday 17 May, 7-11pm For The Late Shows 2014 Vane is pleased to be hosting Stu Herring's latest performance, ‘Brick vessel'. Coinciding with the last day of his exhibition, on The Late Shows evening, Saturday 17 May, Herring will be build a circular wall around himself until he is entirely cut off from the audience. ‘Brick vessel' is the latest of Herring's works to explore through ritualistic acts his ongoing investigation of notions of personal freedom. ‘Brick vessel' is presented as part of The Late Shows 2014. www.thelateshows.org.uk The Late Shows is supported by Arts Council England and managed by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums. The Late Shows marks the international event ‘Museums at Night', which takes place across Europe. For further information visit www.culture24.org.uk/museumsatnight