Exhibition
The Bear Pit
21 Jul 2015 – 17 Oct 2015
Regular hours
- Wednesday
- 11:00 – 17:00
- Thursday
- 11:00 – 17:00
- Friday
- 11:00 – 17:00
- Saturday
- 11:00 – 17:00
Address
- The Forum
- Elmer Square
- Southend-on-Sea
England - SS1 1NB
- United Kingdom
Travel Information
- Southend Victoria/Southend Central
‘The Bear Pit’ is a purpose-built installation, which simultaneously operates as both studio and exhibiting space. Visitors are restricted to a raised gantry which surrounds and creates a viewing point for an enclosed area below. Three artist-run spaces from around the UK have been invited to curate a programme of events, exhibitions or residencies for a period of three weeks each.
About
The design for the construction is drawn from a student facility at Middlesex University, which was formerly based in an old industrial building in Wood Green, London, during the late 1990s. Nicknamed for its formal resemblance to the 19th century bear enclosures in parks and zoos, the space consisted of a series of raised walkways over a studio and performance area. This intimidating environment reinforced an intense interaction between audience and performer, shifting the power relationship more typically assumed.
This exploration of the conjuncture between institution, audience and artist will be further unpacked through Focal Point Gallery’s installation, which will also provide access to the
developmental stage of the projects – inviting viewers to observe development, rehearsals and set-up from the gantry. A live-feed from the space will be displayed on the external Public Screen in Elmer Square, adjacent to the gallery.
