A public art project by artist Kate Elliott

This project derives from an archive of over 100 family photos, the earliest of which dates from the turn of the nineteenth century. They had been discarded in a skip in Belsize Park, North London, where they were discovered by Shar Camilleri in early 2010.

It is a project about time. I am less concerned with the individual story behind each of the images, but more with a generic identity, that can be explored and extended according to the different experiences of everyone who sees them.

Drawing on universal feelings of loss, nostalgia, melancholy and hope, I take these photographs from their original and unknown context in the hope of creating new personal and intertwining narratives, individual to each image.

While we are all connected by our personal memories, as well as by our ability to dream, we also crave a sense of belonging, and are pre-occupied with a continual and possibly never-ending search for identity in and through the lives of others.

Thursday, 10 March 2011

The Dance - Dalston

On 8th March 2011 The Dance was posted onto a disused billboard site in Dalston, London. Situated on the corner of Shacklewell Lane and Seal Street, and measuring 2.5 m x 1.5 m, it can be seen by people walking and driving past. In terms of time, place, and society, the scene depicted in the image contrasts dramatically with the urban context that surrounds it, allowing the image to multiply itself by creating different references and meanings.

The Dance is to remain on public display indefinitely, until defaced by others, or eroded by the elements.

 
 The Dance in Dalston - before
 
 The Dance in Dalston - after


A film made to document the posting of The Dance. With thanks to Emma McGarry for filming and editing, and Elisa Noguera and Bara Safarova for their help on the night. 
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