24 September–9 November
Lethaby Gallery
Central Saint Martins, London
Hours:Tuesday–Friday 12–6pm, Saturday 12–5pm
www.afterall.org
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On the occasion of the publication of Rodney Graham: Phonokinetoscope by Shepherd Steiner, the latest book in the One Work series, we are pleased to present the exhibition Phonokinetoscope by Rodney Graham. This is the first time that Afterall will present an exhibition of this kind.
Rodney Graham’s Phonokinetoscope is a 16mm film installation in which the artist is seen riding his Fischer Original bicycle through Berlin’s Tiergarten while taking LSD, to the soundtrack of a song (written and performed by Graham) recorded on a vinyl LP. Inspired by Thomas Edison’s invention of the kinetophonograph, the turntable drives the projection of the film. The film starts when the needle is placed on the record and stops when the needle is taken off. Graham’s ride evokes the Swiss scientist Albert Hofman’s famous 1943 bicycle ride home after an experimental dose of LSD as well as Paul Newman’s backward-facing ride in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid; the accompanying music presents a thicket of riffs and borrowings. As the images and visual details repeat in the film’s loop, the artist’s sometimes-playful observations and references become increasingly complex. Phonokinetoscope refers to a surprising number of works of art and literature, displaying a world rich with subtle meaning. The film loops until Graham’s psychedelic rock epic comes to an end or whenever one chooses to lift the needle off the record.
Rodney Graham in conversation with Shepherd Steiner
Saturday 19 October, 17–18.30hr
The Platform Theatre
Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London
followed by drinks in the Lethaby Gallery
Admission free but booking essential. To reserve a seat, email [email protected]. You will be sent a confirmation email with access details.
Afterall has invited Luminous Books to set up in the Lethaby Gallery entrance for the duration of the exhibition. Afterall One Work books will be available to purchase, and there will be a special selection of psychedelic titles—secondhand, rare and newly sourced by Luminous Books, including some titles presented in collaboration with Rodney Graham.
Phonokinetoscope by Rodney Graham is on loan from Collection M.J.S., Paris. Long-term loan Collection Mudam Luxembourg – Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean. The exhibition is supported by The Sandra Blow Estate, Central Saint Martins, Hauser & Wirth, Johnen Galerie and Lisson Gallery.
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