W: Why “Multi Stories Car Park”? Who came up with the idea?
All: We originally came together as a group of friends who shared a studio, but through working together we realised we were all concerned with ideas of storytelling and fictions. We wanted to curate a multi-story effect of going through the exhibition encountering different characters and narratives; the work was positioned in such a way to create a route through the space.
W: I noticed a lot of video art in the exhibition. Is that a common interest you all share?
All: As the majority of the work engages with characters, video is used in such a way to narrate a process of development and findings in our individual practices. Many of the artists involved occupy performative spaces within the works, exploring tension between character and authenticity. There is also a focus on objects in the show which similarly draws upon discussions exploring the relationships between the artists and their surroundings. The show was curated in such a way as to disperse and balance mediums and genres, 2 and 3 dimensional works, as well as performance.
W: Do you think your pieces have a connection?
All: In some ways yes, but primarily we came together as we work closely together as friends in a shared studio in South East London. Initially we discussed the show, in response to seeing other group shows which thematically group work. However in production of the show, we began to realise the similarities in our work, through the use of story-telling.
W: Can you tell us a bit more about each of your works?
Amelia Lourie: I work with storytelling and my concerns around the expectations of motherhood and female sexuality, their portrayal in mass media and pop culture.
Annie Elliott: My work focuses on the immersive, and its effect on sensory experience and consciousness, using film installation. The work has personal meaning and value, stemming from moments of my own life. Also having synaethesic elements of the sound/music having resonance or reaction with each other.
Izzy DuBois: I work within Performance that uses personal anecdotes and ritual playing with fact and fiction and what people believe.
Ben Urban: My work explores sexuality and what it means to be a man in the art world. I do this through raising questions of authenticity and the believability of performing a character of an extended truth of myself. Extending truth is one of my key concerns.
Esme Lewis-Plunkett: Sound and video exploring the intimate relationships between humans and their inanimate objects. Also the connection between a self made identity and strangers online. And the power play between true and false imagery and the audience.
Amy Holt: I work primarily with sculpture and materiality of objects. Bringing objects together to create an interaction between them. Using urban or found materials andcreating a new position for them.
Eilidh Watson: My work focuses on the idea of spectacle and the surrounding effect of something or someone on a space. This
piece centres around folk lore, obsession and touches on a sense of captivity and the spectacle of zoos/freakshows, utilising theatrical lighting to draw on this.
Rachel Irons: Recording and interrupting Sunday television. Working with imitation and authenticity to explore genre and a televised description of self. I play with the failure of attempted recreation and desire.
W: How much did Goldsmith’s affect your view on your practice and whatinspires you?
All: Goldsmiths is a great space in which to play around and test out ideas. The environment really focuses on working alongside other student and encourage group shows and collaboration, allowing us to put on the exhibition ‘multi-stories car park’. People here really question why certain choices have been made or positions taken, pushing investigation into your own practice.
W: Where are we seeing your work next?
All: We want to keep working together as a group and are putting in applications for new spaces, maybe in a car park, who knows.
Images and interview by Lucy Schardt.