The round table
This debate brought together an artist with a politician, an ambassador, a director of a contemporary art museum, a virologist and an activist. In the wake of the covid pandemic and the climate crisis, urgent question were being asked about humanities relationship with the planet. The moderator asked the panelists to consider the changing social role of artists and whether, like a scientist or economist, they should be considered experts? Should their ability to question and re-imagine systems, structures and form mean that they have a place at the table in shaping policy?
The performance
Christian Botale performed '4 Years' which took place in a large inflatable paddling pool around which the panelists were seated. Dressed in a black suit and tie, he playfully moved around with a water gun and children's water toys throughout the duration. The performance, which referenced the artist's Congolese identity and childhood, ran simultaneously with the discussion.
© Heloïse Maillet
The sculpture
A cube-shaped block of polystyrene placed on a typical white base was sculpted as the discussion progressed. Each time a participant said the word “art” or “artist,” it initiated a sculptural gesture to be performed on the block. In the end, all sides of the cube were sculpted to form an organic cellular structure. At the end of the discussion, the artist proceeded to melt the entire block and use its residue to fill the holes that had been made in the base.
The podcast
Hear Ben Jack Nash introduce the project and talk about some of the themes it covers.