Ian Breakwell: The Other Side

About

An immersive contemporary art installation comes to the Millennium Gallery this autumn to transport visitors from the hectic pace of the city to the reflective calm of the coast. A major work on loan from Tate, Ian Breakwell's large-scale video projection The Other Side (2002) goes on show as part of Art in Yorkshire — supported by Tate, a year long celebration of the visual arts taking place in galleries throughout the region. In 2000 acclaimed British artist Ian Breakwell (1943—2005) spent time creating work at Bexhill-on-Sea's De La Warr Pavilion, the town's iconic Modernist arts centre. The Other Side was filmed on the Pavillion's upper landing, looking out across the exterior balcony to the sea and horizon. The installation features footage of elderly couples slowly waltzing against the setting sun coupled with Franz Schubert's Nocturne in E-flat Major (Op.148), interwoven with the noise of gulls and crashing waves. The film's rhythmic imagery combines with the plaintive, dramatic soundtrack to create a romantic, melancholy reflection on life and mortality. The exhibition will also include several films exploring Breakwell's work, including the BBC documentary The Continuous Diary (1977) and the BFI film, The FRAME (2007), made shortly before the artist's death. Ian Breakwell established an impressive international reputation throughout the second half of the 20th century for his multi-media work, which spanned everything from painting and photography to film and collage. Hugely prolific, he became known for his detached observations of modern society, most famously chronicled in a series of diaries which were subsequently adapted for Channel 4 television and screened during the 1980s. His work is represented in various national and international collections, including those of Tate, V&A, the National Portrait Gallery and the Museum of Modern Art, New York. Ian Breakwell: The Other Side forms part of Art in Yorkshire — supported by Tate, a year long celebration of the visual arts in 19 galleries throughout Yorkshire in 2011. Works from Tate's Collection of historic, modern and contemporary art will be showcased through a compelling programme of exhibitions and events.