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National Museums Liverpool Blog - A Shaman arrives at the Walker...

 Friday, July 30, 2010

A Shaman arrives at the Walker...


Friday 30 July 10

Man dressed in a deer skin, shouting in front of an audienceJourney to the Lower World, Coot 2004, by Marcus Coates. Photography by Nick David. Courtesy of Kate MacGarry and Workplace Gallery.

A film artwork by the influential contemporary artist Marcus Coates, will be on display for the first time in Liverpool at the Walker Art Gallery from 1 August 2010 to early 2011. Both funny and touching, this work is well worth checking out if you are in the city for the Liverpool Biennial (17 September to 28 November 2010).

'Journey to the Lower World', a major piece of work by Coates, was bought by the gallery with the help of the Contemporary Art Society’s Acquisitions Scheme. The film is an exciting addition to the gallery’s internationally renowned collection. The work arose from 'Further Up in the Air', a residency programme for artists in Liverpool’s Sheil Park estate in 2003.

In the film residents from Linosa Close, a tower block awaiting demolition, watch with a mixture of anxiety, faith and good humour as Coates performs a shamanic ritual. Dressed in a deer skin and uttering eerie, animalistic grunts, he attempts to answer the emotive question put to him by his audience: "Do we have a protector for this site? What is it?"


Posted by Lisa | 30/07/2010 12:51   | Comments [2]

Posted in: walker art gallery
Tagged with: art | biennial | contemporary art | video

Friday, August 06, 2010 2:02:47 PM
I was involved in this piece, so somewhat biased, but such a great piece of work, thoroughly rooted in the community where it was made, and its such a joy to have it on show in Liverpool again.
paul Kelly
Saturday, October 30, 2010 12:10:40 PM
i was a resident in sheil park when this took place.i wasn`t sure what was going to happen but believe me it was funny in parts but also a bit scarey.but i am pleased it is being shown at the Walker Art Gallery because it is a good piece of work.

M.T. Escritt
marie t.escritt

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