8 June 2019 Beware of Greeks bearing gifts!
ERiS 2 was an opportunity to reflect on the controversies at the Venice Biennale (2019) where a migrant boat was displayed, on which people died, as a work of art. Martyn Hudson started the session with details of his historical work on slave ship cultures and introduced the idea of art as social practice: its possibilities and limitations. Emily Hesse then talked about social and anti-social practice, including her work with refugees and migrant communities. Isabel Lima introduced her work on the ‘Trojan Horse’ and on the slave ship ‘Brookes’ and her work with communities. Activist and speaker Dora Polenta talked about migration rights and the catastrophe facing our current societies.
Isabel Lima, Emily Hesse and Dora Polenta. Photo by Rob TickellMartyn Hudson, introduction to ERiS 2Dora Polenta, ERiS 2Isabel Lima, ERiS 2Emily Hesse, ERiS 2