Bristol artist film collective BEEF respond to the work of Ian Breakwell. Part of Arnolfini at 60.
As a key figure in the early artist film scene in Britain, Ian Breakwell’s influence on later generations of creatives is strong, but it is often overlooked or under-recognised. In this series of events, specially arranged to accompany the exhibition Arnolfini at 60 – Ian Breakwell, we have invited artist collective BEEF (Bristol Experimental Expanded Film) to explore this legacy and respond to it creatively.
In this event, they will focus on Breakwell’s performative film practice, and his links with both Arnolfini as well as the Bristol Arts Centre (the ancestor of today’s Cube Microplex) to ‘play’ the cinemas and projection facilities in each institution.
‘When I think about the events Ian Breakwell organised in Bristol, the sort of scene which he operated in, I find myself reminded of BEEF. That same sense of really vital commitment to experimentation and alternative artist networks which maybe don’t fit in with received ideas about who is ‘leading the way’… I knew I wanted to work with them around this anniversary show, and I’m delighted with how they’ve taken up the offer’.
Phil Owen, Arnolfini Events Producer and Archivist
BEEF will present an Expanded Cinema event at the Cube Microplex, the site of former The Bristol Arts Centre where Ian Breakwell ran the gallery, an alternative press bookstall and brought radical performance to the auditorium in the period 1960’s, responding to this history and the building as it is now. For further details see cubecinema.com
Saturday 9 October:
2pm to 5pm: open rehearsal/installation at Arnolfini.
7.30pm onwards: live performance/screening event at Arnolfini.
Sunday 10 October:
NOTE: Please assemble for The Walking Tour in the Arnolfini lobby in good time for 5pm on Sunday.
We advise coming early on the Sunday afternoon to experiencing the exhibit and film installation on the second floor before ahead down to for the guided tour.”
5 pm : Audience to meet at Arnolfini where your BEEF instructed tour guide will take you on a sideways take on the walking tour.
The tour begins at Breakwell’s UNWORD installation in Arnolfini’s Dark Studio, and continues through the city and up to The Cube.
6 pm : Arrive at Cube. An intermission / break for refreshment. Some sustenance will be provided for walkers.
7 pm : Performance in the Cube Auditorium by BEEF
