Throw Them Up and Let Them Sing. A digital film exploring Kurt Schwitters' escape from Nazi Germany and journey to the Lake District.
A digital film following Kurt Schwitters' journey to Ambleside in the Lake District via a remote island in Norway, when escaping Nazi persecution because of his 'degenerate' art and his epilepsy.
Artist/film-maker Helen Petts' digital film explores landscape, collage, sound poetry and improvisation, and will be shown as an installation at the Hatton Gallery Newcastle, home of Schwitters' Merzbarn Wall.
Featuring improvised sounds by leading experimental musicians, there will also be a concert of music at The Sage Gateshead and associated talks, workshops and events exploring Schwitters' influence today.
'I have been intrigued by Schwitters' work ever since I lived in the Lake District, but since recently working with experimental musicians, I have discovered what a major influence he has had on them and other artists. It is only now being acknowledged that his life was very much effected by his epilepsy. I live with a chronic illness which is hugely erratic and I think I identify with the element of uncertainty and improvisation in his work.' - Helen Petts
You can follow Petts' blog as she films this work at http://helenpetts.tumblr.com/
Unlimited encourages collaborations and partnerships between disability arts organisations, disabled and deaf artists, producers, and mainstream organisations to celebrate the inspiration of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and to create original and exciting works. Twenty-nine Unlimited Commissions have been awarded.
Unlimited is principally funded by the National Lottery through the Olympic Lottery Distributor and is delivered in partnership between London 2012, Arts Council England, Creative Scotland, Arts Council of Wales, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the British Council
The Hatton Gallery
The Quadrangle, University of Newcastle NE1 7RU - Newcastle