Exhibition
Two 7s Clash
12 Dec 2017 – 17 Dec 2017
Event times
midday until 7pm
Cost of entry
Free
Address
- 3010 New Cross Road
- London
- SE14 6AF,
- United Kingdom
Two 7s Clash is a immersive, multi-media exhibition, combining an installation, 2 and 3 dimensional works, films and a series of performances in sound.
About
Two 7s Clash will seek to provide insights into cultural ethos of 1977. Its themic foci are local, national and international. The show also seeks to explore the continued relevance of this mileiu for today. The whole is curated by Soft Wax and features Otherworld Arts, Fret, Alex Pemberton and Ahmad Dayes. The Preview, on the 14th, will be an integral part of the whole and will feature various musical luminaries. The show will feature an in house Soundsystem appropriate to the era and new sonic development.
Two 7s Clash will partially focus on the broader experiences and privations of the local working class community. Those suffered by the sections of that community who were of immigrant origin is a particular source of inspiration. As are specific local events in 1977, notably the Battle of Lewisham. This cultural ethos generated music and agit. prop., that mirrored its broader socio-economic setting
The music also reflected what was happening nationally, with the mounting social conflict and austerity that gave birth to Thatcherism. This show also seeks to highlight the culture of resistance that grew up around a coalition of roots reggae and punk sub-cultures – exemplified in the Rock Against Racism movement. This sought to combat racism and amplify social justice. The show facilitates reflection on the connections and disjunctions between the social milieu of 1977 and now.
The number 7 has multi-various significances for Rastafarians. The clashing of two 7s is held to have almost paramount significance in the apocalyptic predictions of Marcus Garvey. These reflections on end times are directly referenced in the classic album and single “Two 7s Clash” by the Rastafarian reggae group Culture. Further more Rastafarian orthodoxy holds that there are 77 commandments from Kush/Kemet in “The Book of Divine Ordinances” that provide “The Code of Human Behaviour”, etc. etc..
All of these resonances are explored in the installation. The material installation flows fairly seamlessly into the performative dimension. The Preview/Club Night that will take place in the installation on Thursday 14th December will directly echo the events staged by Rock Against Racism locally, in the late 70s. It is hoped that this will be an immersive, multi-faceted installation, that is an involving experience. People who were there back in the day and part of the events will be on hand instead of conventional invigilators. The key events, cultural life and fashions of these communities of resistance may be best recalled through the reminiscences of participants. We value your responses too and there will be scope to contribute and select your own tunes!