Chisenhale Gallery, London E3
chisenhale.org.uk

This Chisenhale Crit took place during Simnikiwe Buhlungu's current exhibition hygrosummons (iter.01) (until 3rd Nov 2024) at Chisenhale Gallery, with guest responder artist Alice Theobald facilitated by Peer Sessions (Kate Pickering and Charlotte Warne Thomas) to dicuss the work of two artists and elicit feedback from the assembled group.

Liang-Jung Chen presented a performance and sculptural backdrop: Open circuit and short circuit test (2023). The discussion initially revolved around the very un-theatrical nature of the live performance, with the artist crouched over some wiring tasks on the ground. The group felt this focussed our attention on the hidden or overlooked nature of wiring and technical functionality, with electrics usually concealed behind walls and obscured by simple interface devices like plugs and switches. The group also identified the hand-made nature of the woven wires, finding echoes in the 'sculpture' to such phenomena as brain syapses, tarten weaves and fishing nets. This was in contrast to the usual function of wire in the circuitry of mass-produced electronic products, which aligned with the repetative soundtrack.

Stefano Santilli presented 3 works: Somebody should do something and two tripod-mounted pieces Easy to play and I can’t believe this was my reality. Initially feedback focussed on the objects being vessels, but there was some discussion about whether they looked more like luxury design objects, or DIY creations with a punk aesthetic. The conversation moved on to consider whether the objects had initially been 2D signs or placards, that were rendered 3-dimensional through origami-style folds and scoring. The dystopic sounds that eminated from the vessels lead some to see the work as a reflection on frustrated actions or intentions, that had never been implemented.

Liang-Jung Chen (she/they) is an artist based in London working across drawing, object, installation and performance. Her practice is informed by material culture in anthropological study which leads her to investigate the usage, consumption, creation, and trade of artefacts as well as the behaviours, norms, and rituals that the artefacts take part in.

https://liangjungchen.com/
@liangjung_chen