Riveting Rivington

The arrival of my daily mail ties my stomach up in knots and sends a shudder up my spine - the usual crew of bank statements, water bills and countless final demands is certainly one to be feared. However this morning one suspiciously inviting envelope was present and called for a closer look. As soon as I recognised the YCN.72 Rivington logo, excitement enveloped me and seconds later I sat surrounded by shredded paper and clutching treasure in my hands, my much-anticipated YCN.72 lending library card!

The lending library at 72 Rivington Street boasts a stimulating selection of publications and books to be borrowed for up to 14 days. Membership is free and the process is quick and easy, simply drop-in, fill out a form and a few days later your library card will be in your hands, yielding access to an abundance of inspirational materials.


YCN.72 Rivington Street
London, EC2A 3AY
United Kingdom
t. +44 (0) 207 033 2140
e. info@ycnonline.com
Monday – Friday
10am – 6pm

PC:DavidBarrie

Coming Up...

While many of you out there may be utterly fed up with the amount of media attention surrounding the late and great Michael Jackson, we at In the Neighborhood (well myself, at least), have not yet reached the point of complete aggravation.  That being said, the Truman Brewery together with HF Contemporary Art are hosting a Michael Jackson tribute at Draywalk Gallery starting this Friday, July 24.  The exhibition will have original new works by international gallery artists, as well as a concert put on by the Esben Tvalje trio with vocalist Lydia Jenkins.  I think we could all stand to pay tribute to MJ one last time, no?   

Radical Nature

Is it possible to shift our mood on climate change? A new installation in Dalston aims to do just that.  Linked to the Radical Nature exhibit at the Barbican, the Dalston Mill has transformed an old railway line and subsequent wasteland into a 'fully-functioning' mill and wheat field, in an effort to cause people to realize that way we use land, produce food, and relate to one another, are all inextricably linked.  The origin of the installation is actually thousands of miles away in New York, where Agnes Denes' original wheat field juxtaposed against the Manhattan skyline provided an iconic image of environmentalism that will now be emulated in our very own Hackney.  The Dalston Mill is also providing workshops, theatre performances, bread-making, pedal-powered music, and tea-time talks with artists. How wonderful that the neighborhood is providing a means for people to ponder our effects on the planet!  Open daily from 2-10 PM.

SHOREDITCH CALLING: POETS AND FILMMAKERS

Msft, previously known as Missfit Productions is a self proclaimed ‘storytellers pedestal’.  Since 2006, they have played an active role in supporting and publicizing an eclectic palette of emerging talent, from poets to performance artists. 

Their latest project, Speech Motion provides filmmakers and poets with a platform to preview their work via an open mic/screen night at Shoreditch’s The Horse and Groom.   This exciting addition to the neighborhood's cultural calendar will run every last Tuesday of the month and will culminate in Speech Motion’s headlining talent.

So, if you fancy yourself a poet, storyteller, performer or filmmaker (or all of the above), Speech Motion is a fantastic opportunity to exhibit your work. To be considered for one of the 12 headlining spots get in touch with msft at speechmotion@makingtheatrework.com.  Headlining acts will be paid  for participation.

Upcoming night: 28th July-The Horse and Groom, Curtain Rd. – Doors open at 7pm - £4 entry. 

Want more information? Visit msft's website.

Top Ten - Shoreditch Street Art

This Michael Jackson tribute on Rivington Street steals the #7 spot for our favourite Shoreditch Street Art.

Unconventionally conventional - Gilbert and George

The White Cube gallery plays host to Gilbert and George's new exhibition, The Jack Freak Pictures from Friday, 10th of July.   The two artists have been working together since 1967, when they first met at Central St. Martins.  The usually tweed-clad pair say their ideas arise from confusion and  liken their process to automatic writing, which provides for the eclectic nature of  the 153  images on display.

10th July - 22nd August. Private view, Thursday 9th July (today), 18.00-20.00

White Cube

Why Don't You... Check out the Idea Generation Gallery

The Idea Generation Gallery, located on on Chance Street, showcases the best of contemporary art and popular photography.  At the moment, the main attraction features work by John "Hoppy" Hopkins, a freelance photographer and former nuclear physicist in the 1950's.  Hopkins' involvement in the London underground movement in the late 1960's has allowed for a unique take on the new politics of peace and counter-culture of the time.  He has not only produced images of iconic figures such as Malcom X and John Lennon, but also the seemingly "seedier" images of London at the time, including tattoo parlours and fetishists.  His exhibit, dubbed "Against Tyranny" is showing until the 19th of July... something that should not be missed.

Macondo

Macondo, the latin inspired cafe-cum-gallery in Hoxton Square is definitely one of my favourite things about the neighborhood.  

Their delicious deli selection is always pleasing and not much makes me happier than sitting on Macondo's deck with a slice of tortilla and a Corona.  Oh and their selection of cakes is second to none in the area.  The menu also boasts a reasonably priced cocktails, breakfast and dinner options.  

If you have yet to visit this charming spot, don't hesitate any longer...and if you need any more encouragement they currently have a lunchtime special offer on.

Books. Art. Books+Art. Book Art.

A fine marriage indeed.  Book Art emerged through the post-modern impulse to challenge the formalities and commodification of art and a viewing of the V&A's collection last year left me with a burgeoning interest in the medium.  Unfortunately, artists books aren't too easy to come by...unless you live in the neighborhood that is!  Shoreditch has its very own 'bookartbookshop'.   Stop in to peruse the shop's unrivaled collection of international contemporary book art and support this not-for-profit organisation. 

Bookartbookshop

Susan Kae Grant

Artists Books Online

Top Ten - Shoreditch Street Art

Chance Street - #8

Why Don't You... Take A Drawing Class?

What: 'Life class: Today's nude.' Channel 4 and Art Angel/Jerwood commision free life drawing classes -"nothing in nature stands still", led by Alan Kane.

 Drop in and take a 30 minute class, master the skill of depicting the unclothed human body with guidance from one of the artist-tutors.

Where: Shoreditch Town Hall

When: 22 and 29 June, 12 -2pm.

Why: Why not?

For more information, go here. 

Top Ten -Shoreditch Street Art

Cement bollards have always appeared unnecessarily unattractive to me...this unknown street artist comes to the rescue on Waterson Street and in turn earns the #9 spot.  

Degree Art Shows

The British art school tradition is renowned worldwide and has given birth to many celebrated contemporary artists, designers and musicians.  Although the fashion students receive the greatest attention via the Central St. Martin's show during London fashion week or the respected Graduate Fashion Week, degree art shows are an opportunity to view exciting, innovative art from the masters of tomorrow.   With graduation season nigh, many of East London's galleries are hosting said exhibitions. 

Old Truman Brewery exhibition space is currently hosting the Free Range art and design show.   The show is open till the 20th July, which gives you plenty of time to see the 3,000+  graduates work on display. 

From Thursday, 18th - 22nd June, Vyner Street Gallery is hosting Royal Holloway University's degree exhibit, which will showcase various installations and films.

Degree Art

Free Range Art Show

Vyner Street Gallery

Tuesday night. Movie night.

WHAT: Close-up, the wondrous film library on Brick Lane is hosting its third John Cassavetes film showing tonight.

WHERE: The Workingmen's Club, 44-46 Pollard Road, E2.

WHEN: 8pm, doors open at 7.45.

WHY: Cassavetes' (heralded the father of American independent film) A Woman Under the Influence, delves into the suburban domestic turmoil and stars Gena Rowlands and Peter Falk.  By funding his films entirely outside of the Hollywood system, Cassavetes affords to portray honest, uncompromising accounts of human relationships.  Cassavetes films are rarely shown in cinema's these days and therefore this is an opportunity not to be missed. 

Close-up

John Cassavetes

Top Ten - Shoreditch Street Art

This derelict doorway on Strouts place adorned with street paste-ups by London based artist A.CE is our #10.

ARTSALEARTSALEARTSALE

What: Art Car Boot Fair 2009

 

Where: Old Truman Brewery, 146 Brick Lane

When: Sunday 14th June, 12-6pm

Why: Food, music, fashion, cars and art to boot - this unique 'credit crunch aware' art market promises to shake up your Sunday. 

-http://www.artcarbootfair.com

'Firsday' - Art Appreciation

Today, is not any old Thursday. It's the first Thursday 

of the month...

On the first thursday of the month the majority of East London galleries are open late previewing their latest exhibits.

With 80+ galleries participating across East London it can be 

hard to hit them all, each first Thursday we meander along 

Charlotte Road, down Rivington Street and over to Redchurch 

Street to see our favourite galleries current exhibitions. 

Beyond the art, the eccentrically stylish crowd in attendance 

provide an additional spectacle.  

One of the prime cultural and social events of the month and 

certainly the best Thursday in town.

6-9pm [Be on time for free wine (and beer)], 4th June - East London galleries and museums.

View First Thursdays - East London in a larger map