Young Arnolfini Zine #1 by Arnolfini

YOUNG ARNOLF IN I

YO UNG AR NO L F I NI

INTRODUCTION

CONTENTS

YA zine is the new quarterly result from Young Arnolfini made with the desire to establish a bridge between the arts and young people. Our group, most of whom are studying art in education, have integrated themselves into the creative scene in Bristol and beyond, yet are constantly confronted with the cultural divide of our time. What you are reading is as much the result of that cut-off feeling as it is an impassioned expression of our

interest in/enthusiasm for the arts. When contemplating the theme for our first issue, the idea was struck upon to use the launch of our zine to examine the concept of the debut itself. As a timely matter of chance, our personal artistic efforts were also being unveiled to the public for the first time; for instance, not only is it the first printed appearance of illustrated works by Alice (11+12) and Billie (04), but some of us had the opportunity

to work with an international artist: Yorgos Sapountzis (centre pullout). Within the zine, you will also find analyses of how ‘original’ the modern debut really can be (10, 13+14). It may be of interest that this is the first collaboration and publication by our design team (Emma, Darcey and Freya), a sure sign that even the seams of what you’re holding burst with the unrepeatable creative energy of the debut.

MEMBERS:

content:

Billie Appleton

Steven Spielberg Debut 3

Thomas Beale

Jump-Cut Film Festival 5

Charlie Crosley-Thorne

Modern Debut 9

Alice Titshall

Self Portrait 11

Grace Cohen

Cryptomnesia 13

Yorgos Sapountzis

Pullout Interview and Poster -

Jacob Matthews

Daniel O’Sullivan Interview 15

Mia Moore

Jak Flash Interview 17

Maz Shar

Envision - Youth Action 20

Emma Blake Morsi

Reflection VS Debut 23

Manifesto

Anticipated Events

ZINE DESIGN: Darcey Beau Fraser - www.darceybeau.co.uk Emma Blake Morsi, Freya Newmarch and Grace Cohen. Young Arnolfini curator: Kamina Walton. Copy Editor: Thomas Beale.

BILLIE APPLETO N

ST E V E N S P I E L B E RG

Steven Spielberg’s debut: OCCUPATION: DIRECTOR AGE: 66

Spielberg’s debut, or his first feature length film at any rate, was ‘Duel’ 1971, a psychological thriller about a man named Mann who, driving down the lonely highways of Southern California, finds himself in a duel to the death with an angered and psychopathic truck driver. At the age of just twenty- three, ‘Duel’ was to be the first stepping stone to Spielberg’s reputation as one of the best directors in Hollywood history. But we’ve all got to start somewhere, right? Rumour has it that Spielberg sneaked in to Universal Studios on a daily basis as a teen, disguised only in a suit, carrying a briefcase, and set up office in an empty room. Eventually people got so used to having him around they assumed he worked there, or so the rumour goes. Just goes to show, that with a little perseverance anything is possible if you’re Spielberg. Honestly, watch ‘Duel’, it’s a really good film.

Illustration by: Billie Appleton

THOMAS BEAL E

JUM P C UT S H O RT F I L M F E ST I VAL

JUMP-CUT FILM FESTIVAL: SUNDAY 12TH MAY 2013 DEBUT

The first Jump Cut Film Festival launched itself upon Bristol’s art world on Sunday 12th May, 2013. Since planning began in October 2012, the organisers have received 80 submissions, with the website garnering around 7,000 hits. From there, 19 shorts were chosen for the Watershed screening, competing for four prizes. Perhaps signified by the number of young faces, and as a festival run by University of Bristol students, Jump Cut is neatly timed during

the approach to the end semester (This applying to UWE students also.) The four guest speakers, too, were scrupulously chosen – if largely sponsor focused with crowdfunding advice coming from Ben Hamilton of Pleasefund.us, motivation from Richard Irvine of Aspect Film and Video, a particularly interesting essay snippet on film criticism from UoB lecturer Pete Faulkner and the Bristol based filmmaker Micha Virtkin in discussion. The most impressive short of the lot

was George Purves’s magical The Jumper, which ultimately won the Bristol Bound award. By following a creative child in a turbulent household who is transported into a luscious forest by wearing a jumper, Purves explores a kind of physical and emotional claustrophobia, whilst embracing infantile imagination and indulging an element of the natural beauty of the untouched woodland one might read in Keats. Outstanding Technical Achievement was given to ‘Tea’, a charming animation sure to

hit off an immediate tussle between tea manufacturers for advertising purposes. Awarded Best Film was a Gloucestershire student film Nature Boy, readable as both a black comedy and a bizarre portrait of a mild sociopath. It can’t help but feel as though Jump Cut is, perceivably, a blatant opportunity with potential to focus on first and second year students, exclusive to Bristol universities. Instead, the organisers choose not to

discriminate which, though allowing any material from journalistic documentary to avant garde, inherently gives the event a dated and distant feel, with some films made as far back as two years ago and submissions as far as Russia. Aimlessness is precisely the aim. Speaking to the team behind My Thoughts Exactly, a dating comedy, all of whom study different subjects in Bristol, especially revealed this untapped potential to

J Brandon Photography

me. If such a festival can inspire students who would never ordinarily embark on making a film, then it’s without a doubt that future Jump Cut participants could flourish from the attention provided by constriction. Here is a poem written on the evening which I hope expresses the experience of the festival from an outsider perspective; I don’t know anything about forms or meters so excuse the structure.

www.jumpcutfestival.co.uk

THOMAS BEAL E

Vivacious voices speak of Kubrick, Cover covert contestant fear, Yet best years breeze by but quick: Soon, she says (I hear), third year Shakespeare. A selection, aimless, Names now less fameless, Fuck the audience! Embrace them tameless, Narratorville reveals Brizzle’s shameless -ness. Before four speeches We see a toilet tender sodoku quizzing, The Depressed dwelling after African beaches, Scotland’s moors, mystic Mondays and surreal killing. Hence: gold, black balloons aloft. Above: the Sun laments his gracious glow Below: slender liqueur, fizzle and froth, Undergrad lips quipping, tipsy sipping. No! - rules will still local quills, But it’s over; now, the top prize. One hopes, beyond these hills, New mountains shall rise.

CHARLIE CRO SLEY-TH O R N E

M O D E R N D E B UT

ALICE TITSHAL L

S E L F P O RT R AI T

GRACE COHEN

C RY PTO M NE S I A

yorgos sapountzis

Yorgos Sapountzis often takes public monuments, such as equestrian sculptures on public squares, as his starting point – objects that represent part of the collective memory, but also form the everyday experience of a city. These sculptures become protagonists of Sapountzis’ own performances and sculptural works. Developed in collaboration with local actors and groups, including Young Arnolfini, his works explore the symbolic energy and presence of these monuments, and involve them in theatrical actions and temporary installations. The exhibition will include a series of works that result from these outdoor productions.

exhibition dates and times:

Saturday 20 July 2013 Sunday 15 September 2013, 11:00 to 18:00 Arnolfini - Free

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS: the meaning behind his art:

Working with other people:

‘These old things create a vocabulary, or a language. Through the years, I’m getting more letters, or more colours or more ways to speak. This gives me, sometimes, glimpses of messages.’

‘I really love to work with people...because to be an artist is a very lonely process’ When I came to Berlin, I started to work alone. And then there was a moment: I really had this need

to work again with people and what was very interesting was to put the plural again into my art, to not have the artist and the audience, but to have the audience and them. Suddenly it’s a plural: it’s not ‘him’ but it’s ‘them’. This was very inter-

Picture: Yorgos Sapountzis Young Arnolfini workshop

esting in order to find how you can build a community and how you can build a relationship, and also how you can make moments of happiness and moments of empathy.

Inspirations: It’s not about inspiration, it’s about necessity, I would say. I feel a necessity; I always let myself be surprised from things somehow...All the time I try to see this thing, to see the

monument, to see the sculpture and try to get out from them what I could do, and what could be my reaction to them.

next time I pass that monument or that sculpture, I remember what I did there and I have this personal connection.’

returning to public spaces:

the escapism of art:

‘...it’s like if you meet somebody – you go to a place and you meet someone, and whenever you pass again through that place [you remember]: ‘Ah! There, I met that person.’ And it’s the same thing with these kinds of works. The

‘This other reality was, for me, so important because it took me out from my reality.’

to read the Full interview, visit the young arnolfini blog: youngarnolfini.wordpress.com

JACO B MATTHE W S

DANI E L O ’S UL L I VAN

DANIEL O’SULLIVAN INTERVIEW: OCCUPATION: Musician Age: 32

What has your most recent work consisted of?

Daniel O’Sullivan is an artist, composer and musician based in London, who is recognised as being part of bands such as Guapo, Ulver and Mothlite among others. He has collaborated with numerous artists including Stephen O’Malley, Jarboe, and Alexander Tucker, who he will be releasing a new LP “Glynnaestra” with on July 22nd as “Grumbling Fur”. He regularly collaborates with the artist, Serena Korda and composed music and conducted a choir of 70 school children as part of Work As Movement Archive in Barton Hill, Bristol in May 2012. I managed to get in touch with him to ask the following questions:

How would you describe your creative practice?

You’ve made music produce new work? through being a part of When it’s too exciting, Blurry. Sporadic. the bands Ulver, Mothto the point where Immersive. lite and Miracle to name you feel like your a few. How important is head might explode, What was the first work collaboration to your I always find it’s best you made that really work? to leave it alone and felt like it had authen- For a chemical rereturn to it. When ticity or integrity? action to occur one the work is fluid and Probably the first recordings I ever made. I made a tape of very nïave piano ballads with cheap foley sound effects when I was 8 years old.

perceive it to be so then so it is.

must compound elements. You learn a lot about yourself through playing with others.

effortless it normally retains its value in the long term.

What does it feel like to

Of course. If you

New collaborations with Charlemagne Palestine, Daniel Higgs, Mark Titchner, etc. Curating Transmissions Festival in Italy, new Grumbling Fur, Ulver, Miracle and Mothlite recordings emerging. Live soundtracks for Serena’s giant latex dinosaur and composing ragas for schoolchildren and sea shanties for old men.

Do you have any advice for artists or musicians starting out? Stay inside. Journey inward.

You wrote some original music for the Work As Movement Archive that was performed in Barton Hill, Bristol last year. Do you think it is important for communities to collaborate and produce artworks? Hugely important. What better way to understand your neighbour than to make something with them.

Do you think originality truly exists?

Can you describe your creative influences? All things influence me. For better or worse.

Are there any artists or musicians that you think young aspiring artists should be aware of? It all depends on your trajectory. But for me some of the key developmental players were Austin Osman Spare, David Lynch, Max Ernst, Alice Coltrane, Mark Hollis, Philip K. Dick, Coil and the Javanese Court Gamelan.

JAK F L AS H

MIA MOO RE

JAK FLASH INTERVIEW: OCCUPATION: PHOTOGRAPHER Age: 24

What or who is a big inspiration for your work?

Out of your own work, what is your favourite piece and why?

Inspiration comes from all different places and sources, but for me my biggest drawing point is darkness. I’m fascinated by the idea of darkness. Darkness is unforgiving. It tells no lies and casts no shadows. In darkness we have our dreams and find our way without sight, and in it exists a new world. I like to try and explore things from an opposing point of view, and its the idea of darkness that kind of keeps me rooted in my perspective.

I don’t think I have a favourite piece so it’s hard to say. I really like ‘The Lovers’ image for my major Arcana series because I really enjoyed putting together the symbolism and I think it comes across quite well. The Changeling series of makeup focuses self portraits were really great to work on as a collaboration between myself and Makeup Artist Roseanna Velin. She wanted to do a short series of detailed makeup pictures so

Photography - Jak Flash

we came up with the idea of doing this series. It was a really fluid process though that developed as it went on, we had no idea what the finished product was going to be when we started. I would bring in an object for inspiration and Roseanna would work her magic and create a really transformative look on my face. I’ve never felt so comfortable in my own body except for when Roseanna changed me into these creatures.

M AZ S H AR

JAK FLASH

What advice would you give someone starting a career in photography? Focus and dedication. The arts are a hard place to break into and support yourself. Really think about where you want to be and take the necessary steps to get there. If the facilities are there then take full advantage of them because this is a trade that needs practice and vision. And along the way you’ll lose track of everything but just remember back to what your

goal was and you’ll be fine. Have fun and be happy in whatever you do.

and this is often based on spiritual/ religious views and alternate thoughts on situations.

What are some of the techniques you typically What made you want to use/used with your be a photographer? work? Anything that I’ve always liked to makes you unique? make images and tell I don’t think there’s anything that really makes me unique. There is such a wide variety of styles of photography, and is there even any originality left in the world? For my shoots I plan and research a lot and have a clear idea in my mind what I want to do before the shoot,

stories and when I got to university that was the direction I decided to go in. Originally I was studying graphics but changed onto photography and have never looked back since. It allows me to creatively express myself and keeps me working towards improving my skills.

Envision Youth action: www.envision.org.uk CHARITy

Envision is a youth action charity which was set up by four young people in 2000. Their aim was to challenge the stereotype of the youth as being “apathetic” and “disengaged with the issues going on around them”. Today, Envision’s programme supports 16-19 year olds from over 130 schools and colleges in Birmingham, Leeds, London and Bristol. Last academic year

they worked with over 4,000 young people across the country. They help young people to design their own local community projects, tackling issues ranging from street crime to climate change. They seek to provide individuals with the powerful and rewarding experience of making a positive difference. Inspired by their experience, these young people will be both willing and able to continue acting as effective role models for their communities wherever they are building powerful leg-

www.flashyourjak.com

acies of their own. On Tuesday the 28th of May, Envision launched their brand new ‘Community Apprentice’ programme - an extra-curricular activity which Bristol’s own mayor, George Ferguson, fully supports. The ninemonth scheme requires young people working in teams to identify a social problem, create a solution and execute it within a deadline. Young people are mentored throughout the ninemonth programme and participate in activities designed to develop their skills and their projects.

MAZ SHAR

The exclusive launch event was held at Harvey Nichols (Cabot Circus) and consisted of previous Envision students sharing their past experiences and pitching the ‘Com-

munity Apprentice’ programme to an audience of business representatives and VIP guests. I closed the event with the following spoken word piece:

CO M M UNI T Y AP P R E NT I C E

“ ...I closed the event with the following spoken word piece... ”

spoken word piece There seems to be an issue Unemployment on the rise, I, am left asking: what will the kids do? Stereotyped like “The youth are lazy, the youth are this” Well maybe you’ve dismissed the fact that the youth, the youth are just kids We’re so afraid of teenage “chavs” walking around with their hoods up When really, instead of looking down on them we should get them to aim high and look up Tell that “hoodlum” he is good enough and that with the right tools he could go fix his neighbourhood up I’ve seen this in my siblings, little toddlers, they get restless Don’t give them anything to do, the next sec you open the front door And the once neatly piled shoes are now all over the floor, messed up

They give that look as if to say “hey, YOU left us” Left on their own Instead give them Lego blocks and watch them build a home “The youth are lazy, the youth are this” No the youth feel dismissed, left out, they see this line of best fit, they see what they have to be and well, actually, what they’re not Every young person has the desire to change deep inside, you just got to light the fire, ignite the flame. Show them what they can be And I know, ‘cause even my own feelings of inadequacy are forcing me to ask “Do they understand me?” “Have they noticed my lisp?” “Am I talking too quick?” Or maybe I should just give it up and quit But I won’t, I’ve been lucky enough I’ve been given a comfortable seat to sit in So I would like to put forth a nominee, a proposition To help a not-for-profit charity named Envision Whose mission is to give those whose income is missing The chance to take positive action and make things different These young people will go off on a 10 month journey Where they’ll come back and have had learnt these New set of skills and in the process they will, Work on projects that’ll still benefit their communities long after, Now I’m thinking: man forget the high Uni fees with which I was presented Because it feels damn good to be a community apprentice.

EMMA BLAKE MO RS I

R E F L E C T I O N VS D E B UT

YOUNG ARNOLF IN I

YO UNG AR NO L F I NI

Manifesto

ANTICIPATED EVENTS

Young Arnolfini is a collective of local art enthusiasts aged from 16 25 working, learning and living in Bristol. We aim to provide a cultural forum through our workshops, blogging and live events to bridge the gap between young people and Bristol’s bustling art scene.

• • •

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To make contemporary art, and the spaces which exhibit it, more accessible. To get great people to work with young people to inspire, motivate, support and help them gain new skills. To find and maintain new and creative ways that we can listen to each other and other young people and involve them in decision making. To be flexible and respond to each others’ ideas and suggestions. To maintain contact and conversation and not be constantly talking about ourselves. To keep our output up to date and to be consistent in what we do To be questioning and critically constructive – open in self-criticism and debate. To celebrate productivity. To regard our blog readers as equals; with equal passion, interest, wit, intelligence, and put this at the forefront of our writing style. To design our programming and pricing with all sorts of young people in mind. To use social media to connect and chat to other young people. To reach beyond our four walls by hosting activities and events both inside and outside the gallery, using spaces these imaginatively and accessibly.

ALICE TITSHALL: Brisfest 21-22nd September @ASHTON COURT “Brisfest is a not-forprofit celebration of the Best of the South West, showcasing rising stars and future talent from the region alongside international headliners. With 15 stages covering everything from Bands and DJs to Comedy and Circus, Street Theatre and Walkabouts there’s something for everyone!”

GRACE COHEN: Shambala Festival 22-25th August Amazing experience, with a focus on visual arts as well as music, This will be my fourth year and I’m more excited than ever!

Freya Newmarch: Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 20th July - 3rd November @Mshed “The very best contemporary portrait photographs from around the world, capturing famous faces and intimate moments.”

CHARLIE CROSLEY-THORNE: Doug Fishbourne & Friends Adventureland Golf, 25th July-26th August @ARNOLFINI As far back as I can remember I have always loved Crazy Golf. Arnolfini’s will be designed by some of the UK’s best contemporary artists.

Mia Moore: Frieze art fair 17-20th october @regents park, london “In addition to being able to see and buy art by over 1,000 of the world’s leading artists, visitors can experience Frieze Projects, the fair’s unique and critically acclaimed programme of artist commissions and Frieze Talks, a prestigious programme of debates, panel discussions and keynote lectures.”

YOUNG ARNOLFINI - july 2013 www.youngarnolfini.wordpress.com www.arnolfini.org.uk #YoungArnolfini