I contributed a text Generosity to Truth is Concrete, a publication launched on 26th April 2014.

Truth is Concrete was emblazoned over Bertolt Brecht’s desk while in exile in Denmark, a constant reminder in times of extreme social turbulence to remember political reality.

How can art play a role in social and political struggles? 

Can it be a tool to shape the world, rather than a mere reflection?

Following Steirischer Herbst festival’s twenty-four hour, seven-day marathon camp, Truth is Concrete: A Handbook for Artistic Strategies in Real Politics takes the possibility of concrete truth as a working hypothesis for both art and activism, and looks for direct action and concrete knowledge. In art practices that engage performatively in specific political and social situations, and activism that searches for intelligent, creative means of self-empowerment.

I went to London zoo to participate in an extension of an exhibition and conference. The exhibition at Gasworks was Hydrarchy: Power and Resistance at Sea, which explores contemporary conceptions of the sea as a contested cultural, political, legal and socio-economic territory.

The artists in Hydrarchy: Power and Resistance at Sea explore themes of colonialism and the slave trade, commerce, tourism and offshore finance, as well as maritime folk history, piracy and the tyrannical figure of the captain.

Saturday 18th September 2010

Unfortunately I missed the conference, although clearly it was exploring some of the theoretical terrain suggested by the exhibition. The sea has functioned as a historic space for the exercise of violent, tyrannical and world-transforming power; like capitalism, empire, slavery, etc. On the other hand the sea offers a possibility of resistance, where alternative, sometimes revolutionary social orders can be imagined and practiced; pirates, mutinies, offshore finance, etc.....

From 11am to 4pm on Saturday 25th April 2009, I'll be taking part in Kindival an event organised by student campaigner Tom Robbins. It's a series of talks, discussions, exhibitions  and performances that explores the theory and practice of kindness.

I'll screen, give-away and talk about Screen Tests. I'll suggest how restriction and scarcity in the artworld can be replaced by generosity and abundance - at least in the political economy of digital artefacts.

It will take place at Chelsea College of Art & Design.