Critic Patrick Langley reviews experimental London performance exploring apocalyptic themes
In winter 2020, Patrick Langley experienced an avant-garde performance in a dilapidated venue in London, organized by an art institution amidst high-end galleries. The performance explored themes of primordial emptiness and apocalypse, featuring a woman dragging scaffolding, four musicians with repurposed instruments, and a man reciting text about a planet harmed by corporate avarice. The act combined heavy kick-drums, distortion, jungle rhythms, and visuals of devastated landscapes. Langley drew connections between today’s issues and the Winter of Discontent (1978–79), criticizing the outdated apocalyptic-industrial style in light of current dangers. He referenced Genesis P-Orridge's 1976 ICA performance and mentioned the opera Sun & Sea (Marina) for its ironic take on climate consciousness. This event was reported in ArtReview's March 2020 issue.
Key facts
- The performance took place in London in winter 2020
- The venue was a shabby building on a street with blue-chip galleries and designer shops
- Performers included a woman in black, four musicians, and a man reading a story
- Themes included apocalyptic visions, corporate greed, and technological hubris
- The event referenced the Winter of Discontent of 1978–79
- Genesis P-Orridge's 1976 performance at London's ICA was mentioned
- Sun & Sea (Marina) opera was staged at the 2019 Venice Biennale's Lithuanian Pavilion
- Patrick Langley is a critic and novelist based in London
Entities
Artists
- Patrick Langley
- Genesis P-Orridge
- Rugilė Barzdžiukaitė
- Vaiva Grainytė
- Lina Lapelytė
Institutions
- ArtReview
- ICA
- Venice Biennale
- Lithuanian Pavilion
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Venice
- Italy
- Lithuania