Karin Hofko Self-titled 2011, film still, digital video
Exhibition
6 May — 24 Jun 2017
Projection Series #6: A Little Faith
Weekly screenings Saturdays 1pm (no screening 20 May)
A Little Faith examines the pitfalls of trust. As confidence in political systems plummets worldwide, what alternative belief systems might we choose to explore?
The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre presents a state-of-the-art 62-seat cinema, for audiences to experience the films of Len Lye and the wider world of local and international cinema. The cinema welcomes you to see historical experimental film, contemporary artist’s moving image and regular film festival programming, from historical experimental film to contemporary artist’s moving image.
At the heart of the Len Lye Centre’s cinema programme sees the return of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery’s Projection Series, our regular film programme surveying the landscape of historical and contemporary fine art filmmaking.
In these videos the politician, the entertainer, the healer and the seducer employ various modes of address to stake their claim for authenticity, while others explore modes of resistance and self-determination. In an age where voters struggle to reconcile the cost of voting Brexit and endorsing Trump, where to next?
Featured works:
Steve Carr Table Cloth Pull, 2007
Digital Video, Sound, 1.30min
In Tablecloth Pull Carr presents himself as magician, building anticipation towards the classic trick in which a tablecloth is wrenched from under a place setting, the intended effect being that the plates and glasses remain perfectly in place.
Karin Hofko, Self-Titled, 2011
Digital Video, Sound, 7.25min
“I love you… I’m crazy about you… I’m crazy about your passion!” In a series of takes direct to camera Hofko attempts to deliver a heartfelt monologue of devotion to the viewer, pausing from time to time weigh up the effectiveness of her delivery.
Peter Wareing, Bassus Continuus, 2016
Digital Video, Sound, 15.00min
Drawing on footage of artist Jeff Koons, preacher Jimmy Swaggart, and making-of footage from 1968 French film The Chronicle of Anna Magdalena Bach, Bassus Continuus examines the construction of character in 20th century broadcast media. While Koons and Swaggart play to the gallery with a mixture of confidence and contrition, the directors of Anna Magdalena Bach exort their actors to deliver less emotion and feeling.
Murray Hewitt, Waitakere Business Club, Trusts Stadium, Henderson: January 26 2012, 2014
Digital Video, Sound, 1.52min
“What are we? Mind, Economy, Weather?” Using a transcription of a 2012 speech by Prime Minister John Key the artist re-works common political phrases into pseudo-poetry.
Sonya Lacey, Infinitesimals, 2016
Digital Video, Sound, 7.00min
In a foundry a series of letters are cast in lead type. Later, in a homeopaths laboratory, samples are taken from the surface of the letters, which are then converted into remedies designed to treat the symptoms of lead poisoning, including slowness of ‘perception’, ‘movement’ and thought.
Jordana Bragg, wherever our river ran ( i ran to, i ran too), 2016
Digital Video, Sound, 3.00min
In a series of abrupt cuts of memory, action and location, the artist delivers spoken word recollections of adolescence, reflecting on trauma in the suburbs and home.
Martin Rumsby, Eye I Aye, 2014
Digital Video, Sound, 10.00min
"At some point in their lives, most people choose energy and application…”. Now in their forties, Dida and Erana have lived on the streets in Manurewa since they were ten years old. Rumsby’s camera waits for Dida and Erena to take up their daily place of residence on a public bench in the Manurewa shopping precinct. Rumsby pauses midway to consider the making of his film as an act of labour.
Total running time: 46 minutes
Curated by Mark Williams/CIRCUIT Artist Film and Video Aotearoa New Zealand. Commissioned by the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery.
CIRCUIT Artist Film and Video Aotearoa New Zealand and the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery acknowledge the support of Creative New Zealand.
