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Friday 19 October 2012

Bedlam

Art or madness?  The two meld as you enter the Old Vic Tunnels (near Waterloo station) to see the latest collaboration of conceptual art by gallery owner Steve Lazarides, titled Bedlam.

Bedlam was derived from Bethlem hospital that was founded in 1247.  An institution for the poor and the insane,  that until 1770 was open to the public at certain times for them to see the  "freaks" for entertainment. 

You are guided into the tunnels via a path in total darkness to be plunged into the enormous space of the tunnels. Fifteen artists then take you on a journey of their interpretation of Bedlam.
Volunteer to be strapped into a chair and look into the moving screen in front of you.  This art goer found it a bit too realistic as faces appeared to leap out at him. 

Lie down on a fake grass platform and watch lovely patterns beam down at you. a form of therapy.  No?  How about a crazy old woman who appears to leap out of a screen and fire a gun at you while repeating over and over "I love you".

The exhibition is full of suprises and takes you on a journey as both an inmate and a member of the viewing public.

Open until 21 October.  It's free but you must book.

8 comments:

Angie said...

Don't think I'd be game to have a look!

Sharon said...

Sounds very interesting. I'd be game if I was there.

Anonymous said...

Ooo. This is super interesting. I like art that tests the edges of people's minds...

Brianna Asaro Photography said...

Love this. Any art that pushes the borders is fine by me.

Lucy Corrander : Photos said...

Clever to be this terrifying. I'm a wimp.

G said...

This sounds truly interesting, and certainly more innovative than the usual run-of-the-mill haunted attractions that pop up around this time of year.

LONDONLULU said...

I very much like that capture. This is something I'd love to see actually, Bedlam looms so large in the social psyche.

Jack said...

Excellent image, Mo. Why don't YOU sit in that chair while I take the photo.

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