DNA
DNA is the new multi media ArtHertz group exhibition inspired by the world of electronic music pioneer and critically acclaimed artist, John Foxx. It brings together an exciting collection of artwork inventiveness. From typography etched on copper to beautiful large botanical digital prints on aluminium, an embroidered ‘My Sex’ on canvas, a computer installation representing, ‘Mr No’, a metallic portrait of the man, a ‘futurist’ motorised tombola with a window-clinging man trapped in a pointless, repetitive cycle, hints at some of the meaning behind the man’s many song titles. Foxx also takes his place presenting a new series of prints and an installation from the new project, ‘The Quiet Man’
In reflection of the collaborative spirit of Foxx’s career, participants for the exhibition have included a wide range of practises including fine art, photography, typography, architecture, filmmaking and music. The lyrics, the words, the images, the music and philosophy of John Foxx take on a life of their own at this unique event which this year previews alongside the Rushes Soho Shorts Film Festival - recognised as a leading platform for the short film genre both nationally and internationally. This year the Soho Shorts Film Festival will exclusively present an excerpt of The Quiet Man – the long awaited new book by John Foxx in a live performance involving Foxx himself against a backdrop of visuals from leading VJ / artist, Karborn, at the Apple Store on the 24th July later followed by the accompanying exhibition, DNA on Monday 27th July at The Horse Hospital Bloomsbury. The 5 day event will form part of the Soho Shorts Film Festival and will feature DNA screenings every day with a Private View on Monday 27th followed by a Futurist themed after party to commemorate 100 years of Futurism with live performances by John Foxx and DJ / VJ performances by Dennis Da Silva, Roger Spy and Karborn
John Foxx has made an idiosyncratic journey through popular music since the mid 1970s having earlier experimented with tape recorders and synthesizers whilst on a scholarship at the Royal College of Art.
In 1979, he used synthesizers and drum machines to record Metamatic, the first electronic album by a British solo artist. The album is now credited as providing a blueprint for the evolution of popular music to the present day and he has been name checked by acts the likes of Klaxons, Ladytron, Afrika Bambaataa, Gary Numan and Duran Duran . Some of his work was recently showcased to a sell out audience at London’s Institute of Contemporary Art. There are also currently plans for a major Foxx event involving large-scale projection on Battersea Power Station in September 2009. This year he also releases music collaborations with Robin Guthrie (Cocteau Twins), Steve Jansen (Japan) and Paul Daley (Leftfield).
Parallel to his music he has also pursued a career as a filmmaker and graphic artist. As well as gallery exhibitions and installations in major international cities, his photographic images have graced numerous book covers over the last 10 years, including novels by Anthony Burgess and Salman Rushdie.
Dennis Da Silva - CURATOR
