Culture Diary w/c 14-04-2014
What’s hot this week? Our pick of the listings from around Liverpool and the rest of the UK…
Tuesday – Book Launch: After Constructivism by Brandon Taylor 6:30-8:30 pm @ Drawing Room, London — FREE (RSVP essential)
Addressing the ‘madeness’ of the art object and its importance to paintings, sculptures, and reliefs from Russian Constructivism through to contemporary art, historian Brandon Taylor discusses his new book with artists Andrew Bick and Katrina Blannin. Grab a glass of wine and see how Drawing Room’s current exhibition, Abstract Drawing (curated by Richard Deacon) parallels with Taylor’s book.
Wednesday – BATTAGLIA Film Screening 6.30-9.30pm @ the Bluecoat, Liverpool – £3/2
An exclusive screening of Daniela Zanzotto’s (who is also in attendance for a special Q&A) BATTAGLIA, documenting the life of award-winning Sicilian photographer and anti-Mafia activist Letizia Battaglia. This event accompanies Open Eye Gallery’s current exhibition, Breaking the Code of Silence, a remarkable document of one of the darkest periods of Italian post-war history, and described by our reviewer as featuring ‘blood, death and more blood and more death.’
An Evening With Mark Z. Danielewski 7-9pm @ Motel, Liverpool — £3/4
The Guardian described Danielewski’s House of Leaves as ‘a rare debut: genuinely exciting in its technical and literary exuberance.’ Tonight the US novelist will have an ‘in conversation’ with Dr. David Hering (University of Liverpool), an expert in post-modern American fiction, read from his new book The Fifty-Year Sword, alongside a Q&A, signing and special cocktails.
Thursday — Haggard Caravan: Opening Night 6.30-9pm@ The Hepworth Wakefield — FREE
Part of Glasgow International 2014, this major new site-specific sound and sculpture installation is the first public exhibition in England by artist and musician collective Solar Lice. The gang have been working together for 10 days prior to the opening, using the gallery space as a production studio and creating works of painting, music and photography. Check out US photographer Philip-Lorca diCorcia’s solo show while you’re there.
2014 RIBA North West Awards 7-11pm @ Oh Me Oh My, Liverpool — £7.50/10
Hosted by BBC One Show presenter and comedian Alex Riley, this evening is a celebration of top design. Introducing shortlist of architects who have made the greatest contribution to north-west architecture over the past year, including the new Everyman theatre, Manchester School of Art and Carmelite Monastery, expect drinks, canapes and entertainment too. See our interview with RIBA Regional Director Andrew Ruffler.
Friday – Dial H-I-S-T-O-R-Y (1997) Film Screening 8pm @ AIRspace, Liverpool — FREE
Belgian multimedia artist Johan Grimonprez received widespread acclaim for this documentary/art film, which is scarily prophetic of 9/11. Focusing on the different definitions of word ‘radical’, used by artists and terrorists alike, but obviously understood and executed in different ways, Grimonprez utilises found footage throughout. Screened in Liverpool’s latest pop-up art space, popcorn and a bar will be available.
PICK OF THE WEEK: Saturday — Record Store Day @ stores across the UK — FREE (all depends on how much you spend on vinyl…)
Always a great time to reassess how we buy music, and discover local independent shops, Record Stores Day sees indie shops across the nation open their doors with special events. The north-west offer includes 3B Records (Liverpool) with DJing from Al Kent (BBE records); Eastern Bloc Records (Manchester) with BBQ and a list of guest DJs from local labels; and Head (Warrington) with Radio 1′s recently showcased The Catfish and The Bottlemen. See this handy list for participating stores near you…
People’s History Exhibition 11am-5pm @ C7, Albert Dock, Liverpool — FREE
Ever marvelled at the Futurist Cinema (Lime St) and wondered why it’s so unloved? Hidden Liverpool have thought the same. Bringing to life some of Liverpool’s now empty public buildings through personal images, memorabilia and audio interviews, the team make us think about reusing empty buildings across the city in this nostalgic exhibition.
Sunday — Spring Carbooty 1-5pm @ Islington Mill Artist Studios, Salford — FREE
Held today in this superb old mill turned arts space and studios, this travelling car boot sale with a twist showcases affordable artwork, craft and design, amongst many other weird and wonderful items.