Big Screen Southend is pleased to present ‘EYECATCHER’, a selection of video work from seven artists as part of its on-going programme of artist moving image to coincide with Focal Point Gallery's gallery programme. ‘EYECATCHER’ refers to the motive of Big Screen as a feature that commands our attention as we enter Elmer Square, reflecting the same purpose of an architectural folly as a focal point to enhance or draw the attention of a viewer within a landscape. Based on Volker Eichelmann’s research around the architectural folly, the programme will also include ‘Follies and Grottoes’ (2003-2006), an extensive video series of architectural sites visited by the artist throughout the U.K.

Within this, Eichelmann refers to the influence of the camera viewfinder in its ability to accentuate the scenic composition of these architectural ornaments.

Referring to the film ‘The Draughtman’s Contract’ (1982) directed by Peter Greenaway, Eichelmann cites moving image as a significant method that informs his initial research. Drawing upon many of the techniques employed by Eichelmann in ‘On Peacock Island’, the programme of moving image brings together six individual moving image works from seven artists that re-appropriate, re-purpose or re-configure material to suggest something other in the accumulation of our attention.

'XF take 4', 2017
Diann Bauer (Laboria Cuboniks)

In 2015 the feminist working group Laboria Cuboniks wrote and published 'Xenofeminism: A Politics for Alienation'. 'XF take 4' is a video made to succinctly speak about the project. The full manifesto can be found at laboriacuboniks.net

'No System Hang', 2016
Milo Creese

Based around the historical sculpture of The Nike of Samothrace and the feminine divine, this filtering of visual and aural compositions roves between real and computer-generated imagery. Creese treats the ‘space’ of film as a place to gather content from various sources.

'The Great Attractor', 2016
Cynthia Cruz and Simon Howlett (GROK)

Collaborators Cynthia Cruz and Simon Howlett make Lo-Fi videos and soundscapes inspired by retro futurist Sci-Fi. The videos are created using only iphone apps and synthesizers, creating a composite of heavily edited found footage and audio.

'Follies and Grottoes', 2003-2006
Volker Eichelmann

'The role of unintended consequences (Sofa Compact)', 2016
Eva Fàbregas

Component parts of furniture design are separated and activated in this animation. The film expands on an intriguing stop-motion sequence from the original footage by designers Charles and Ray Eames, where the Sofa Compact appeared to assemble itself as if by magic.

'Motor Soul', 2015
Gillian Wylde

Using ‘cut and paste’ techniques, this short video occurs on the surface combining data functionalities from different sources that include; motor soul browser doings, googlisms, Wikipedia factualities and post-production activities.

The exhibition will open with a launch event at the gallery on Saturday 28 January 2017, 6.00pm to 8.00pm. All welcome.

Warning: Videos may containing flashing imagery.