‘Pleasure is a Weapon’ is the first UK solo exhibition by artist Susie Green. Working in a range of media across sculpture, performance and painting, this presentation celebrates the body as a site for pleasure and politics. The exhibition will be punctuated with a public programme of performances, screenings and conversations.
The installation of sound, objects and painted works that make up ‘Pleasure is a Weapon’ probes at feelings and recollections surrounding both immediate and remote sexual intimacy. Green creates an environment in which these feelings are inhabited through the ornamental and physical properties of material. Not only an exercise in re-presenting desire but also an attempt to indulge corporeal pleasures, the space of the exhibition invites a sensual encounter between artist, object and viewer.
By staging an intimate exchange between bodies and things, ‘Pleasure is a Weapon’ trades in an economy of pleasure. Green’s typically economic use of materials enmeshes with her preoccupation with fetish and form. Simultaneously ephemeral and decadent, the works seemingly revel in the excesses of desire. Such excess is written through with political potential.
The show launches with an evening of music, vocals and movement performed by The Brilliant State, a collaboration between Green and artist Rory Pilgrim.
As part of Grand Union’s extended programme we have co-commissioned a performance by Green and collaborator artist Simon Bayliss (Splash Addict) on the event of Fierce Festival’s 2017 launch party. A soundtrack to accompany the show has also been produced by Simon Bayliss.
A publication will accompany the exhibition with a new essay by Laura Guy.
Public ProrgammeOpen accordion
Friday 1 September, 8–10pm, performance 9pm
Exhibition launches with performance by The Brilliant State – expanded pop collaboration by Susie Green and artist Rory Pilgrim.
Thursday 21 September, 6–7.30pm
Gallery tour
Free entry
In this evening event, join artist Susie Green and Grand Union staff in an informal gallery tour where visitors will be encouraged to encounter Green’s installation in an unconventional way.
Thursday 5 October 6–8pm
Screening: Mano Destra, (1986), Cleo Übelmann, 53 minutes.
A selection of shorts will precede the film, followed by an informal discussion.
Free, book tickets here.
A film by Swiss filmmaker Cleo Übelmann, Mano Destra (Italian for “right hand”) is an elegant study of erotic objectification which depicts one woman tying up another woman in a lengthy act of consensual bondage. All films have been selected by Charlotte Procter (Collections Manager of LUX & member of the Cinenova Working Group)
Wednesday 18 October, 7–7.30pm
Performance with Simon Bayliss – Splash Addict
Presented with Fierce Festival for their ‘Very Fierce Grand Opening’
Fierce Festival Hub (Quantum, 30-34 River Street, Birmingham, B5 5SA)
Free entry
About Splash AddictOpen accordion
Splash Addict is a collaboration between Susie Green & artist Simon Bayliss, inspired by shared romantic, filthy sensibilities and a love of ‘90s dance music, Green performs commanding, melodic vocals over Bayliss’ synth basslines. The duo’s first video Love Immersion features the artists dancing in swimwear, together but alone, punctuated by clips of hands smacking bare backsides.
