Wed 13 Oct – Fri 17 Dec 2010, Art Space 2
Artist Ruth Maclennan’s video installations examined how individuals react to the pressures of social, political and technological change. She set up situations where different perspectives collide to unnerve the viewer. In response to ICIA’s theme, Maclennan brought together for the first time her video series Dialogues, begun in 2000, and other works exploring work environments. The most recent, Dialogue #5 (It’s not your problem), was a sideways attack on the power of global finance. In a disused office, a man in crisis speaks to himself, to the camera, and to an invisible public. In Dialogue #3 (That’s not for me to say) character, image and meaning became dislocated, exposing suppressed desires within the corporate world. Calling All Workers enacted a group exercise session at work, questioning the idealism and institutional control associated with such activities.
Maclennan studied Fine Art at Goldsmiths College. Her work includes video, photography, bookworks, live events and debates. Curatorial projects include Archway Polytechnic, and State of Mind at the LSE, that brought together artists, scientists and social scientists investigating the human brain. She has exhibited in Europe, America, Russia, Australia, Japan and Central Asia, in museums, galleries and film festivals.
Associated talk Wed 17 Nov 2010, Art Space 2