Pompe - A Dionysian Canal Boat Led Procession

About

Be a part of Pompe! We will celebrate the spirit of Art and use the fleeting nature of performance and the figure of Dionysus to mock the domineering commercialism in the art world represented by Frieze Art Fair. 

The site of Frieze will be the departure point for the canal boat ‘Dazzler’ captained by canal resident Robert Salomon. Pompe will encounter performances by young artists, musicians and dancers on bridges and tow paths and involve members of the local community. 

For Pompe Dionysus is present in his role as the great liberator from the self-conscious; his wine, music and dance frees his followers and subverts the oppressive restraints of the powerful. He is the protector of those who do not belong to conventional society and symbolises the chaotic, dangerous and unexpected, acting as a powerful rebel figure. 

Pompe will celebrate contemporary art's capacity to be inclusive and provide inspiration to a wider community who might encounter it in the public space, everyone is encouraged to join Pompe! 

Performers include: Neil Luck & Adam de la Cour, Zoe Marden, STASIS, Imogen Lloyd, James St Findlay & Harvey Lancaster Rous, Well Suited, Eloise Lawson and Gilded Music.

St Mary Magdalene Church in Paddington

Pompe is made possible thanks to the support of St Mary Magdalene Church which will host a site-specific group show curated by Galitzine Mackenzie in December 2016 in its spectacular crypt. 

The church, together with Paddington Development Trust, is raising funds to create a community and heritage hub as well as support restoration of the church building. It is a Grade 1 listed church and is recognised as an outstanding example of Neo-Gothic architecture. This Development Project aims to transform the building into a heritage, community, culture and arts hub in order to enrich, regenerate and bring greater cultural cohesion to the local area. 

Please donate generously here to help make this project a reality.