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Lookup NU author(s): Neil Bromwich
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‘Dragon of Profit and Private Ownership’ is practice led research into mythical archetypes in socialist imagery of the 1920’s, and the ways in which this imagery can be re-invigorated today through socially engaged practice, participatory performance, social sculpture and a ‘docu-fiction’ film to empower communities to question dominant social values and re-imagine their relationship to work, profit and labour. The research takes as it’s starting point the imagery found on The Ashington, National Union of Mineworkers Northumberland Area Banner 1924 that employs the mythical architype of George and the Dragon to challenge power structures as part of the labour movements campaign to nationalise the mining industry. Commissioned for BAIT 2016, an ACE, CPP initiative to bring art to-hard to reach communities. Ashington has suffered social and economic deprivation since the closure of the pits in the 80’s. The research methodology, driven by socially engaged aesthetic frameworks engaged a broad sector of the community to collectively take part in a ‘social sculpture’, an artwork that has the potential to transform society. Through embodying a contemporary vision of the Dragon motif found on the banner, participants examined the key themes around the changing nature of work. The research methodology became a catalyst for intergenerational thought, action, performance and conversations documented in a 30min film-work screened in Ashighton 2017-18, Tyneside Cinema Newcastle 2018. The enquiry extended to a similarly socially challenged community in Scotland, specifically Canal View Primary School, Wester Hailes. Commissioned by Edinburgh Art Festival 2017-18. The research took place in Wester Hailes, also launching the Edinburgh Art Festival with a live performance in the city centre 2017. The research was presented in Trinity Apes Edinburgh as part of Edinburgh International Festival and re-presented as part of a solo exhibition of Walker & Bromwich’s work at De Montfort University Gallery, Leicester 2017-18.
Artist(s): Bromwich N, Walker Z
Publication type: Exhibition
Publication status: Published
Year: 2018
Number of Pieces: 5
Venue: Edinburgh Art Festival; Edinburgh International Festival; De Montfort University Gallery, Leicester; Tyneside Cinema Newcastle; YMCA & Hirst Welfare, Ashington
Location: Edinburgh, Leicester, Newcastle, Ashington, Internet
Media of Output: Participatory Performance, Sculpture (Textile), Digital Video/ Film, Social Engaged Practice, Installation
URL: https://edinburghartfestival.com/archive/when/year-2017
