Shrink 01995
17:00-18:00 Thursday 8th August | 12:00-17:00 Friday 9th August | 12:00-17:00 Saturday 10th August | 12:00-17:00 Sunday 11th August
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A 20 MINUTE PERFORMANCE THAT STARTS ON THE HOUR - LAST ENTRY IS AT 5pm.
Great North Museum: Hancock, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4PT
We are delighted to present SHRINK 01995 from artist Lawrence Malstaf.
Two large, transparent plastic sheets and a device that gradually sucks the air out from between them leave the body (in this case, local people from Newcastle) vacuum-packed and vertically suspended. The transparent tube inserted between the two surfaces allows the person inside the installation to regulate the flow of air. As a result of the increasing pressure between the plastic sheets, the surface of the packed body gradually freezes into multiple micro-folds. For the duration of the performance the person inside moves slowly and changes positions, which vary from an almost embryonic position to one resembling a crucified body.
The work of Lawrence Malstaf (1972, Bruges, Belgium) is situated on the borderline between the visual and the theatrical. He develops installation and performance art with a strong focus on movement, coincidence, order and chaos, and immersive sensorial rooms for individual visitors. He also creates larger mobile environments dealing with space and orientation, often using the visitor as a co-actor. His projects involve physics and technology as a point of departure or inspiration and as a means for activating installations.
Free, no booking required
The venue is wheelchair and pushchair accessible.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
SHRINK 01995 IS CURATED AND DELIVERED BY AN EXPERIENCED TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS AND ALL PARTICIPANTS HAVE BEEN THROUGH A THOROUGH RECRUITMENT, TRAINING AND SAFETY PROCESS.
THE INSTALLATION IS ALWAYS SUPERVISED WITH SAFETY CHECKS AND CONTROL MEASURES CONSTANTLY IN PLACE TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE TAKING PART.
YOU SHOULD NEVER ATTEMPT TO RECREATE OR REPLICATE ANY PART OF THE ARTWORK OR ITS PRESENTATION.
People of Newcastle - we know you’re a work of art - let’s show everyone!
This is your chance to become a living, breathing work of art, suspended - safely and beautifully - in the Great North Museum (Hancock) as part of NOVUM Festival 2024.
We are looking for a group of people to work directly with international visual artist Lawrence Malstaf to bring to life his artwork SHRINK 01995.
This opportunity is best suited to those who have some experience of taking part in intense physical activity and who feel comfortable in front of an audience - for example dancers, circus performers, gymnasts or other experienced amateur or professional performers or sports people.
Please read all of the information very carefully. Due to the nature of the artwork there are some limits on who can take part, to ensure everyone is safe and comfortable.
To participate you must be:
Aged 18 or older
Be able to attend the following sessions:
Tuesday 6th August - Evening - NOVUM volunteer induction session
Wednesday 7th August - All day (with breaks) - Workshop with Lawrence Malstaff
Thursday 8th August - 2pm-5pm - Closed Rehearsal
Thursday 8th August - 5pm-6pm - Preview event
Friday 9th August - 11.30 - 5.30pm (with breaks) - LIVE performances
Saturday 10th August - 11.30 - 5.30pm (with breaks) - LIVE performances
Sunday 11th August - 11.30 - 5.30pm (with breaks) - LIVE performances
Times are currently approximate and subject to change. The schedule will be confirmed and shared with you in advance.
You will be working with the artist, in pairs, to take turns as artwork and artwork assistant. All necessary training is provided - this is why it is essential you can commit to attending the workshop, rehearsal and performances.
Please note the structures can support a weight of up to 85kg max (approx 13 stone).
We want the living artworks to be reflective of Newcastle’s many communities and we encourage people of all ages, genders and backgrounds to apply if you meet the requirements noted above.
You will be asked to wear your own simple sports clothes. Men/male identifying participants may be asked to appear topless when in the artwork.
APPLICATIONS DEADLINE: Thursday 13th June, 5pm