Posted on Tuesday 24-7-2007
UNnecessary Homework
Larry Achiampong @ 198 Gallery
Launch Event: 2 August, 6.30 – 9 pm @ 198 Gallery
Exhibition: 3 August to 14 September 2007, Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm
Recalling Pierre Bourdieu's cultural sociology, Larry Achiampong's work emphasizes how social hierarchies and clichés are perpetrated across generations, despite the myth that contemporary post-industrial societies boast equality of opportunity and high social mobility achieved through education. His first solo exhibition, UNnecessary Homework, is compilation of sharp, ironic and playful observations of the troubled relationship between "youths", education system, establishment and Bourgeois classes.
Iconic objects from the early 90s (when Larry grew up), such as wooden vintage pupil gear, foot balls and skateboards, are the main tools of his personal vendetta venture: turned into weapons of mass-disruption, they voice out the many frustrations encountered by younger generations, having to "integrate" to a system which brandishes sports and music as the only examples of professional achievement. The use of recycled objects, also frequently thought to be the prerogative of contemporary African artists, questions the relevance of cultural heritage when apprehending globalised artistic practices.
In the face of the general indifference, and the complacency of the government, repeatedly failing to provide aspiring academic prospects and professional opportunities for its young people, Larry's exhibition comes as a witty, but plausible scenario of what the future may hold. And this time, the revolution will be televised.
Larry Achiampong graduated from
Family Day: Saturday 11 August, 1 – 4 pm @198
An afternoon of fun family activities, based on the themes of the exhibition. Including printmaking, inflatable portrait sculpture and skateboard design.
Drop-in session.
Artist Talk: Back to School – Tuesday 11 September, 7 – 8.30 pm @198
Larry Achiampong in conversation with Paul Dash, (co-Editor, IJADE – International Journal of Art and Design Education) and Faisal Abdu’Allah.
Early booking advised.
Exhibition and events are free. For reservations, please call 198 Gallery on 0207 978 8309 or e-mail gallery@198gallery.co.uk.
Your invitation to the opening event is attached to this e-mail.
Do not hesitate to contact us for more information.
We hope to see you soon...
How to get to the Gallery: Train Herne Hill, Tube Brixton, Buses 3, 37, 168, 96, 322, 468, P4.
198 Gallery 198 Railton Road
Tel: +44 (0)20 7978 8309
Web: www.198gallery.co.uk
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