02 May 2009

Horsecross presents DOMESTIC MODERNISM at Threshold artspace, Perth

The first solo exhibition in Britain by the internationally acclaimed Polish artist Julita Wojcik. Domestic Modernism (2009) is also the title of the latest Horsecross commission – a site-specific work for both the Threshold Wave and Threshold Stage wall projection area. The work is a multi-channel artist's video installation evoking some of the best and worst aspects of modern architecture with Wojcik's signature satirical twist.

In addition, the Threshold Stage online screen area is home to the artist's work Figure Skating (2005) – the first piece by Wojcik to appear on YouTube – available on the dedicated Threshold artspace YouTube channel only for the duration of the exhibition.

Wojcik also selects her own favourite interactive audio installation Lyrebird Redux (2007) from the Horsecross collection of contemporary art which is playing at the Threshold Welcome area.

A succession of five ultra-short animation stories by Wojcik Private Public (2002-05) never seen before as an artwork, is showing on a loop at the Threshold Flush area of the artspace.

The exhibition is complimented by an exclusive, one weekend-only screening of three critically acclaimed video works by Wojcik, each resonating with the artist's new commission. The selected works could be seen in a specially converted, state-of-the-art cinema adjacent to the Threshold artspace.

Julita Wojcik (born 1971 in Gdansk where she lives and works) is probably best known internationally as a 'chronicler of the provincial home aesthetics'. Most recently her work has been shown in the major international exhibitions including 3rd Biennale Cuvee, 2009, Linz; 4th Ars Baltica Triennial of Photographic Art, Kiel, 2006 (and touring); Game at Zacheta National Gallery of Art, Warsaw and Mentality, the 2nd Lodz Biennale 2006. Her latest solo exhibitions include Ready, Set: Action! at Centre for Contemporary Art Ujazdowski Castle, Warsaw, and Making Things More Beautiful at uqbar projects space, Berlin. Her work has been acquired for the public collections of the Israel Museum, Jerusalem; Zacheta National Gallery, Warsaw and National Museum, Warsaw amongst many others. Currently the artist is also showing as part of Energy Class B at Ormeau Baths Gallery, Belfast.

Domestic Modernism (2009) by Julita Wojcik has been acquired for the Horsecross collection of contemporary art at Threshold artspace.

The exhibition is accompanied by a Issue 11 | May 09 of Read More – Horsecross Journal for Critical Writing (ISSN 1755-0866) featuring a newly commissioned essay by Perth-based art historian Jonathon Blackwood who is exploring Wojcik's new commission in relation to the artist's oeuvre to date. To be released later in 2009.

Domestic Modernism exhibition is curated by Iliyana Nedkova and Urszula Sniegowska as third and final part of Horsecross' Scottish Tides-Polish Spring: a three month celebration of Scotland's vibrant cultural connections with Poland. Produced by the artist and Horsecross for Threshold artspace in partnership with 55degrees, Glasgow and the Centre for Contemporary Art Ujazdowski Castle, Warsaw. Supported by Scottish Arts Council New Work Fund, the Scottish Executive's Homecoming Scotland 2009 and Adam Mickiewicz Institute's Polska! Year.

Launched in 2005 Threshold artspace is about positioning Perth and Scotland within the contemporary art world at large through commissioning, producing, exhibiting, publishing and collecting.

Also showing:

SCENE WITHOUT SCENE: Elaine Allison | Tim Chamberlain | Fanny Lam Christie | Su Grierson | Roddy Mathieson | Douglas McBride | Charmian Pollok | Duncan Robertson | Siobhan Tarr
The first in a two-part series of Perthshire Visual Arts Forum (PVAF) exhibitions especially curated for Threshold artspace. Selected by Liz Adamson
Saturday 9 May – Sunday 26 July 2009
+
COLLECT + SUPPORT: Glenlandia by Susan Collins and Acres Wild by Marek Styczen
The first collectable limited editions produced by Horsecross with proceeds supporting the exhibition programme.
Limited edition - limited availability!
Both at Threshold artspace, Horsecross, Perth Theatre, 185 High Street, PH1 5UW, Scotland, www.horsecross.co.uk
Open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm or late on performance evenings. Admission always free