Alex Margo Arden. Rock Paper Scissors

About

Rock Paper Scissors applies methods of performance, reproduction, deviance and reenactment to explore how we can (re)interpret and understand queer histories.

This free display reflects on Kenneth Halliwell and Joe Orton’s collages created on library books belonging to Islington Public Library from 1959–1962, showcasing their original works and investigating their making through reconstruction.

RA Schools student Alex Margo Arden has retraced the journeys of images used within their collages in order to uncover the original sources of the books which they manipulated. Arden subsequently reassembled new versions of the works which are almost identical to the originals. These replicas are made with period-authentic materials: withdrawn library books, purchased from second-hand booksellers.

Arden reconsiders the actions of Halliwell and Orton through re-making, as every cut and paste is repeated and the compositions are rematerialised.