FTHo

Rozemin Keshvani, Axel Heil, Peter Weibel (eds.)

The legendary independent London bookstore Better Books on the Charing Cross Road was the hub for Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, Alexander Trocchi, John Latham, Jeff Nuttall, Bob Cobbing, Barry Miles, Gustav Metzger, and countless others, for their ideas and approaches to art, film, literature, and activism. With its unique range of books, offbeat events, poetry readings, film screenings, and happenings, Better Books became the hot spot of London’s 1960s counter-culture scene.

This book is the first to examine this special historic moment, combining previously unpublished texts, documents, and photographs with the voices of the protagonists who authored this revolution.

With Essays by Rozemin Keshvani and Barry Miles and contributions by Philip Cohen, Stephen Dwoskin, John Hopkins, Graham Keen, Bruce Lacey, Gustav Metzger, Jeff Nuttall, Frank Popper, Criton Tomazos, and Islwyn Watkins.

This book follows the exhibition by the same name, curated by Rozemin Keshvani, that was presented at ZKM, Karlsruhe; at Flat Time House, London; and at Trondheim kunstmuseum.

Opening: November 8, 7–9pm 

49 Nord 6 Est – Frac Lorraine, Metz, France 

Artists: Jay Chung & Q Takeki Maeda, ground (Marlie Mul & Harry Burke), Sheila Levrant de Bretteville, Alex Martinis Roe, Eva Weinmayr, accompanied by works and projects by John Latham

For this group exhibition, 49 Nord 6 Est—Frac Lorraine spotlights non-systematic processes of dissemination of information and alternative modes of sharing knowledge. The British conceptual artist John Latham (1921–2006) developed a body of theories that occasionally delved into contradiction, sowing confusion, provoking disapproval, or stirring enthusiasm. His approach constitutes the groundwork of this show, which brings together artistic practices of different backgrounds and generations. The accessibility of knowledge and its arbitrary dissemination raise issues addressed by the artists who explore alternative paths. At a time when the gap between opinion and knowledge is closing, and the relationship between materiality and knowledge is undergoing a profound transformation, the present project introduces approaches that reflect processes of information transmission in order to reevaluate the experiences produced by these practices.

We're thrilled to introduce Polly Wright, who has joined us as the Coordinator of the Incidental Unit, a new group formed in 2016 with direct support of the Artist Placement Group (APG - 1966-89), and O+I (1989-2009), in order to continue to develop a rigorous approach to socially engaged art practice today.

Polly's immediate focus will be facilitating the Incidental Futures programme in collaboration with the rest of the Incidental Unit. In 2018-19 the IU is working towards six public meetings at Eastside Projects, Birmingham; Spike Island, Bristol; Summerhall, Edinburgh; Bluecoat, Liverpool; The Whitworth, Manchester; and Baltic 39, Newcastle; followed by a large-scale launch event at the South London Gallery, Peckham. We're delighted this project will benefit from Polly's expertise and enthusiasm.

Please click through for more information

The Incidental Unit (IU) was formed in 2016 with direct support of the Artist Placement Group (APG - 1966-89), and O+I (1989-2009), in order to continue to develop a rigorous approach to socially engaged art practice today. IU provides critical support space in which to discuss and exchange ideas with artists, curators and 'incidental persons' without the expectations or evaluative frameworks of an artistic commission, gallery briefing or social project. To this end, IU draws out key ideas, methods, process and rationale for maintaining the independent and critical work of artists and curators, connecting the historical legacy of APG with the complex nature of social practice now.

In 2018-19 the IU is working towards six public meetings at institutions in Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle followed by a large-scale launch event in London. We are recruiting an individual to coordinate the activity and programming of the Incidental Unit over this time period.

Deadline for applications: 19 August 

Please click through for further information and job description

Lisson Gallery presents its first New York exhibition of British artist John Latham (1921–2006). The exhibition reveals Latham’s remarkable multi-faceted practice through works made throughout his career, focusing on his “skoob” pieces, and highlighting his powerful contribution and lasting influence on the global development of Conceptual art.

The future of Flat Time House, Peckham, the studio home of the late British artist John Latham, has been secured. The Estate of John Latham and Flat Time House Institute are delighted to announce that a purchaser for 210 Bellenden Road has come forward, generously allowing Flat Time House Institute to continue operating in its current premises. The Santarelli Family and Dino and Ernesta Santarelli Foundation will take ownership of the property that accommodates Flat Time House and the institute will continue to operate independently in the original studio and home of John Latham.

Flat Time House is currently in-between temporary exhibitions but we are open by appointment to view the house and the permanent display of John Latham works in the front 'Mind' gallery which give an introduction to Flat Time.

Please email [email protected] or call 02072074845 to arrange a visit.

You can support Flat Time House and it's activities by making a one-off donation of any size. As a registered charity, all donations directly support our education and exhibition programmes.