Ed Atkins and James Richards on Post-Internet Video Art and Collaborative Practice

Ed Atkins and James Richards, artists specializing in moving images, have carved out notable careers filled with prestigious exhibitions and accolades. Both have exhibited at the Chisenhale Gallery in London, where Atkins was honored with the Paul Hamlyn Foundation Award and Richards received the Jarman Award. Their partnership started in 2011 when they collaborated with Haroon Mirza on 'An Echo Button,' a multichannel video showcased on Times Square's advertising screens during Performa 11. Since then, they have shared a studio, engaging in daily discussions about their artistic practices. While Richards draws inspiration from the avant-garde history of video, Atkins is influenced by literature and art theory. Both artists adopt a post-Internet perspective, utilizing found imagery and sound from online sources, exploring nonlinear narratives and a flattened cultural hierarchy while asserting their authorship. In a December 2012 ArtReview conversation, they reveal their creative processes: Richards employs a meditative editing style, whereas Atkins favors a more aggressive approach. They reflect on the Internet's impact on historical perception and the emotional depth within digital aesthetics, with Atkins emphasizing the role of artifice in expressing vulnerability and Richards prioritizing communication and craftsmanship. Their work encapsulates a generation navigating both pre- and post-Internet landscapes, emphasizing sincerity and commitment to artmaking.