A cultural taster menu, The Infinite Mix is a little bit of everything and it’s quite simply delicious.
Reporter: Chloe Chapman | Sub-Editor: Yasmin Jeffery
Japanese dancer Bom Bom in Bom Bom’s Dream 2016 I (All images by Chloe Chapman)
A new creative space, The Store at 180 The Strand, plays host to 10 unique audio-visual works of art in an exciting new exhibition.
From multi-screen installations to 3D video, the artists have explored various historical and social themes that both challenge and alter the way we see and process visual images.
The varying formats and non-linear approach to storytelling used by the artists keeps the spectators buzzing with excitement as works of art come to life and fill each room with a vibrant display.
Set in a warehouse, the urban atmosphere is reflected by the graffiti covered walls and simple spray paint descriptions of each installation on the vast white walls.
Whilst zig-zagging your way around the building, tunnelling through the darkness of the corridors, each piece feels like an exciting discovery.
Graffiti dog in The Store
Beginning your journey in room one, Martin Creed’s video is simple yet powerful, showing the different ways people move and get from A to B, crossing the same road.
With some of the participants having severe physical disabilities, the video is amusing, frustrating and a jovial celebration of human movement all at once.
Further into the exhibition, room three featuring Ugo Rondinone’s THANX 4 NOTHING is an immersive and perfectly choreographed multi-screen installation.
Legendary beat poet John Giorno’s theatrical performance of the poem THANX 4 NOTHING is nothing short of dazzling when combined with clever editing designed to emphasise poignant parts and highlight the key messages throughout.
Spectators of Ugo Rondinone’s THANX 4 NOTHING, 2015
Room five is lit up with colourful provocative dancing of Japanese performer, Bom Bom.
Jeremy Deller and Cecelia Bengolea’s masterpiece is raw, sexy and entertaining as it interchanges between fantasy scenes and real footage of Bom Bom in action.
Her flamboyant and borderline slapstick moves coupled with up close shots of a bright green chameleon make this a stand out depiction of modern music and dance culture.
A still from Jeremy Deller & Cecelia Bengolea’s Bom Bom’s Dream, 2015
Be sure not to miss Cyprien Gaillard’s 3D video installation in room 10 as the exhibition draws to a dramatic close in the carpark.
Like every quirky aspect of this exhibition, the abstract location works and the projection of the 3D film across an entire wall makes you feel like you are in a glass box, high in the sky, looking at the night-time cityscape below. It is enchanting.
People making their way to Cyprien Gaillard’s Nightlife situated in the building’s carpark
Living up to its name, The Infinite Mix is a step outside of the ordinary and both the building and audio-visual content work together in perfect harmony to create a unique viewing experience that will leave a lasting impression and render you incapable of expressing what you witnessed.
Running until 4 December and completely free, grab some popcorn, take a friend and explore the eclectic, cultural and infinite mix on display.