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Matt Stokes: In Absence of the Smoky God

Date uploaded: September 12, 2014

Sheffield’s international contemporary art space Site Gallery has announced dates for a new exhibition by artist Matt Stokes. An opening preview will take place on Saturday the 27th of September with the show running until the 8th of November 2014, at Site Gallery, Brown Street in Sheffield.

Filmed in Sheffield 'In Absence of the Smoky God' depicts a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by two radically different societies that coexist both underground and overground. Drawing from classic sci-fi film and literature, and Barry Hines’ 1984 BBC TV production Threads, Stokes imagines how the social and environmental impact of a cold-war nuclear attack leads to the transformation of language within these new communities, relayed via an original vocal composition.

Co-commissioned with Sensoria Festival (27 September – 5 October 2014).

The exhibition will be accompied by further events including free exhibition tours and Matt Stokes in conversation with Dr David Forrest. For more details click here.

Also at Site Gallery

Talk: Paige Johnson, Playscapes

Tuesday the 16th September - 5.30pm

Paige Johnson, the author and editor of the US blog Playscapes, began her research into playgrounds five years ago. She was eager to find inspiration from artists and designers in order to overcome her frustration with the repetition and expense of modern day play areas.

Through online research and scouring archives, Paige gradually uncovered a world of bold, innovative playspaces and grew her interest in mid-century and contemporary playgrounds. Like artists Simon & Tom Bloor, she has a deep and ongoing fascination with the legacy of the postwar urban landscape.

Following her presentation, Paige will be joined in-conversation by Simon & Tom. This is a free event, but booking is recommended, click here for more information.

Jumping stones: investigating the playspaces of Aldo van Eyck

Saturday the 20th of September - 11am

Anna van Lingen and Denisa Kollarova discuss the work and legacy of renowned Dutch architect Aldo van Eyck.

Van Eyck’s exceptional designs have influenced generations of children at play in Amsterdam. In the two decades following World War II he designed over 700 playgrounds scattered across the city. Anna and Denisa explore his lasting impact in their forthcoming book Aldo van Eyck: Seventeen Playgrounds, and will discuss key concepts of his output in relation to current day playspaces, the work of other architects, artists and thinkers who have laid claim on the playground.

For more information click here.

 Image courtesy of the artist/Pixelwitch Pictures

Image courtesy of the artist/Pixelwitch Pictures