Peckham Space Presents Nikolaj Bendix Skyum Larsen Film

Nikolaj Bendix Skyum Larsen

343 Perspectives by Nikolaj Bendix Skyum Larsen is a film that investigates themes of isolation and community from the multiple viewpoints of a residential area served by only one mode of public transport, the 343 bus. The exhibition of this new, commissioned artwork marks the first solo exhibition in the UK by this acclaimed artist, whose film Promised Land was a highlight of last year’s Folkestone Triennial 2011.

Using the 343 bus route as a focus, Larsen will present an array of video portraits of the community which lives in, works in and travels through this neighbourhood each day. With beautiful cinematography and sound design, these vignettes portray the diverse lives of people across this area of south east London from Michael, the Paralympic athlete who is training to qualify for London 2012, to rapper Evans, who opens up to the camera about his time in mental hospital, but also about his determination to make a name for himself through music, poetry and catering.

As part of Peckham Space’s commissioning programme which invites artist’s to create new, location-specific group in partnership with local community groups, Larsen worked in partnership with the North Peckham Area Stakeholders’ Group, Larsen initially approached the residents’ concern about the lack of transport for their area by exploring notions of isolation, and how people related to the rest of the city around them.  In this way, while addressing this very specific local issue, the film also aims to highlight some of the wider questions faced by those living in north Peckham today. 
Well known for his film works which explore concepts of migration and home, Larsen is a multidisciplinary artist that investigates the views and experiences of the real people he meets: whether in the make-shift migrant homes of Calais or at the bus stops of Peckham, his natural inclination and ability to, quite simply, start a conversation is key to producing these intimate portraits of people’s lives.
 
Nikolaj Bendix Skyum Larsen’s films occupy a space between art and documentary filmmaking. His filmic portraits often explore people caught in politically and/or emotionally complex situations. His latest film Promised Land portrays a number of migrants as they try to get from France to England. It took two years to make and gives a unique and very personal insight into the lives, hopes and dreams of the migrants. Larsen’s work has been screened and exhibited extensively around the world. Selected solo exhibitions include: From the Edge, Dundee Contemporary Arts, Scotland (2012); Promised Land, Galerie Vanessa Quang, Paris (2012); Do Not Use, Revolver Galeria, Lima, Peru (2010); Contes de la peripherie, Maison du Danemark, Paris, France (2010); Rolling In, Volta NY, New York (2010); Control Wanted, Gallerie Vanessa Quang (2008). Group shows include ‘Thessaloniki Biennale, Greece (2011); Folkestone Triennial II, UK (2011); Sharjah Biennial 9, U.A.E, (2009). His work is represented in public and private collections in Denmark, England, France, Holland, Italy, Norway, United Arab Emirates and United States.

343 Perspectives by Nikolaj Larsen
11 September – 18 November 2012

Peckham Space
Camberwell College of Arts
89 Peckham High Street

Opening Times:
Tue – Fri 11am – 5pm
Sat – Sun 11am – 4pm

 

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