Lecturer produces 'excellent book'
14th November 2008
Patrick Brill, a Senior Lecturter in Fine Art at the Sir John Cass Department of Art, Media and Design (JCAMD), part of London Metropolitan University has recently produced a book chronicling Deptford X, one of London’s most influential arts festivals.
Hijack Reality: Deptford X - A How To Guide to Organize a Really Top Notch Art Festival has been written by Brill’s alter egos, Bob & Roberta Smith, with a foreword by art critic Matthew Collings.
The past decade has seen a massive growth in arts festivals, to the
point where almost no city would be without one - yet few have had the
impact of Deptford X. Many of the hottest names in the contemporary art
world - including Dan Graham, Miltos Manteas, Stephen Pippin,
Bernadette Corporation, Simon Starling, Julian Opie - have been drawn
to its unique atmosphere, and even launched their careers there. Now
celebrating its tenth anniversary, this book takes a look at the
festival’s achievements so far, as well as its role in the
redevelopment of this vibrant corner of South East London.
After an introduction by renowned critic Matthew Collings, in which
he casts an eye over the area and its history the acclaimed artist Bob & Roberta Smith provides an insightful and frequently amusing 23-point manifesto of how to - and how not to - organize your own festival.
Illustrated throughout with works from past exhibitors, this book is described as ‘a must-read for all those who love (or even hate) arts festivals, as well as anyone who has ever worked with artists, is an artist, or is thinking of becoming one.’