Cinerama

Cinerama is the major new exhibition by renowned artist and filmmaker Isaac Julien completed in collaboration with dancer and choreographer Javier de Frutos. Co-curated by Cornerhouse and Film and Video Umbrella. We are delighted to be premiering this important body of new work in the U.K. The exhibition comprises two new video installations, The Long Road to Mazatlan and Vagabondia in Galleries 2 and 3 which are in turn complemented by a series of photogravures shown in Gallery 1 The Long Road to Mazatlan combines multi-screen imagery and multi-sound layering to stunning effect. The subversion of American-West stereotypes heightened by Javier de Frutos’ choreography brings a host of cinematic imagery to its gallery setting. Vagabondia Julien’s response to the Sir John Soane Museum, London has a claustrophobic feel in comparison to the expansiveness of Mazatlan. This cinematic meditation on the beautiful and enigmatic space seeks to show that the history of such an institution hides nuances that the casual visitor is unaware of. Presented in association with the queerupnorth Festival. Both Cornerhouse and Film and Video Umbrella would like to acknowledge the commissioning role of Grand Arts, Kansas City and Art Pace, Texas for The Long Road to Mazatlan and additional support from the National Touring Programme of the Arts Council of England, London Arts Board and the British Council. There will be a programme of Isaac Julien’s short films screening at Cornerhouse during September as part of the queerupnorth Film Festival 8 – 14 Sept.