ZieherSmith presents the New York debut of these are the days (2009), a film installation by British artist Matt Stokes originally commissioned by Arthouse, Austin, Texas, and the launch of the accompanying catalogue designed by British collective, Abake. Inspired by punk rock subcultures, these are the days is the artist’s first institutional commission in the United States.
In 2007, Arthouse invited Stokes to create a new film project with ZieherSmith acting as co-producer. these are the days is the result of Stokes’ close work with communities connected to Austin’s music scene and his extensive research into anti-establishment musical genres, particularly punk rock. Investigating the dichotomies expressed within earlier and later punk communities, his research ultimately led to the creation of the dual channel film installation, an archival installation exhibition exclusively at Arthouse, and the publication about both.
The first film features footage from a specially organized punk show, staged by Stokes, at the Broken Neck, an alternative venue in Austin and filmed by renowned cinematographers Lee Daniel and P.J. Raval. The second film, created in response at a recording session at Austin’s Sweatbox Studios, depicts a makeshift band’s musical reaction to the event footage. A reversal of roles between audience and performers, the work examines the concepts of inspiration and response. Punk as it was then and as it is now, different yet the same–these are the days.
Matt Stokes’ artistic practice is marked by anthropological enquiry and an interest in happenings or informal movements that bind people together. Taking a variety of forms — from organizing events and assembling archives to making films and creating sculptural installation — Stokes’ works are often collaborative in nature and sometimes take place outside the traditional gallery space. Music subcultures have been central to the development of his most recent projects, which have focused on their ability to shape lifestyle, beliefs and create community. Northern Soul, acid/house and black metal are among the genres of music he has explored, poetically revealing music’s intrinsic ability to create fellowship through devotion or the quasi-religious experience of dance.
these are the days was first presented in 2009 at Arthouse and at 176 / Zabludowicz Collection, a major new contemporary art space located in London. The London show also featured The Gainsborough Packet (2009, co-commissioned by 176 and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art), which will screen in the back room of ZieherSmith. An editioned dubplate featuring music from both these are the days and The Gainsborough Packet is also available. The Abake-designed catalogue will be first released at the opening and includes documentation of both the film piece and of ephemera from the 1970s and 1980s related to the punk, post-punk, and DIY movements in Austin, material that was presented as an ambiguous archive at Arthouse.
Matt Stokes was born in 1973 in Penzance, England and currently lives in Gateshead, England. He is the 2006 recipient of the esteemed Beck’s Futures Prize, awarded by the ICA, London and is currently on the shortlist for the 2009 Northern Art Prize. In 2009, he was also included in solo and group exhibitions at the Baltic Centre of Contemporary Art, Newcastle, and the Lentos Museum, Linz, Austria, among other venues. Special thanks to Arthouse, the Arts Council England, Michael A. Chesser, Johnna and Stephen Jones, and Julie and John Thornton.
Pretty superb post, really enlightening information. Never thought I would obtain the tips I would like in this article. I have been scouring all around the net for some time now and was starting to get discouraged. Fortunately, I stumbled across your page and received precisely what I was searching for.
I really like the fresh perpective you did on the issue. Really was not expecting that when I started off studying. Your concepts were easy to understand that I wondered why I never looked at it before. Glad to know that there’s an individual out there that definitely understands what he’s discussing. Great job
To start, allow me to point out that your internet site is fantastic. I love the theme that you have. It was very easy on the eyes. Appreciate your article too. Definitely subscribed to your feed to make sure I won’t be missing out on any updates. Excellent job! Toast to a productive business
solid post , really good view on the subject and very well written, this certainly has put a spin on my day, many thanks from the USA and observe up the good work
I thought it was going to be some boring old post, but it really compensated for my time. I will post a link to this page on my blog. I am sure my visitors will find that very useful
for a few of my sites but looking to change one of them over to a platform similar to yours as a trial run. Anything in particular you would recommend about it?
I just cant stop reading this. Its so cool, so full of information that I just didnt know. Im glad to see that people are actually writing about this issue in such a smart way, showing us all different sides to it. Youre a great blogger. Please keep it up. I cant wait to read whats next.
What I wouldnt give to have a debate with you about this. You just say so many things that come from nowhere that Im pretty sure Id have a fair shot. Your blog is great visually, I mean people wont be bored. But others who can see past the videos and the layout wont be so impressed with your generic understanding of this topic.
Recently, I did not give whole lot thought to commenting on weblog articles and have left feedback even less. Viewing your useful piece of writing, might inspire me to do this again.
I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and have my children check up here often. I am quite sure they will learn lots of new stuff here than anybody else!
Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i’ve been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share.
How-do-you-do, just needed you to know I have added your site to my Google bookmarks because of your extraordinary blog layout. But seriously, I think your site has one of the freshest theme I’ve came across. It really helps make reading your blog a lot easier.
That is very sublime stuff. Never new that beliefs could be this varied. Thanks for all the enthusiasm to extend such helpful information at this site.
Oh my goodness! Youre so right! I really dont think anyones put it that way before! You must be an expert on this because you just made it so easy to understand, made me want to learn more about it! Do you, like, study this subject because you seem to be so in tune with the issue? Keep it up, man. Youve got a great mind for it!
Heard about this site from my friend. He pointed me here and told me I’d find what I need. He was right! I got all the questions I had, answered. Didn’t even take long to find it. Love the fact that you made it so easy for people like me.
Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon.
I’m very pleased with all the posts on your site. I get a great number of tips which helped me to.
I have been really looking for something for this subject matter and your writing flawlessly accommodates my present desires. Please write much more along these lines? Viewers must find this information as well as the sort of fair viewpoint that you offer.