All is Falling. Influenced by the conceptual and performance-based art scene of the West Coast, Ader's own photographic work is characterised by a fusion of the melancholic, the romantic and the humorous.
All is Falling
This is the first ever one person show in a UK public space of Dutch artist Bas Jan Ader(1945-1975). He lived and worked in California until his mysterious disappearance whilst attempting to cross the Atlantic single-handed for his last unfinished work. Influenced by the conceptual and performance-based art scene of the West Coast including artists such as Bruce Nauman and Chris Burden, Ader's own work is characterised by a fusion of the melancholic, the romantic and the humorous. Farewell to Faraway Friends, 1971, Museum Boijmans van Beuningen Rotterdam
Returning to the theme of falling, Ader explores the effects of gravity in films and performances.
''I do not make body sculpture, body art or body works. When I fell off the roof of my house or into a canal, it was because gravity made itself master over me.'' Bas Jan Ader referring to the short films Fall I and Fall II
New documentary on this enigmatic artist
Screening of Bas Jan Ader's complete film works on 16mm film and He is Always Somewhere Else (2006) - Rene' Daalder's new documentary on the life and work of Bas Jan Ader.
Wednesday 03 May 7.00-9.00pm
The documentary is an epic saga of the powers of the ocean as well as an overview of contemporary art films. It features interviews with contemporary artists such as Tacita Dean, Rodney Graham and Charles Ray.
Bas Jan Ader's 16mm films will also be screened at intervals throughout the exhibition.
Panel Discussion at Central St Martins
With Andrea Phillips (Chair), Theo Teglaars and Jan Verwoert
Thursday 04 May 7.00-8.30pm
What impact has Bas Jan Ader's work had on artists working today? Hear critic and
writer Jan Verwoert, academic Andrea Phillips and curator Theo Tegelaars discuss his
continuing relevance.
At Central St Martins, Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AP. Booking is essential.
Rare live reinterpretation of a Bas Jan Ader performance Light vulnerable objects threatened by eight cement bricks (1970) 17-21 May, Open Daily
Don't miss this rare opportunity to see a Bas Jan Ader reinterpretation. Ader was fascinated with the effects of gravity on inanimate objects as well as his own body.
Here eight suspended bricks will be intermittently cut loose to fall onto objects of different degrees of fragility below. The original piece included a birthday cake, light bulbs and a bunch of flowers.
Come along to the launch on Wednesday 17 April at 7pm to see the first slashing of the ropes.
In collaboration with students from the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art.
Camden Arts Centre exhibitions and events are free unless otherwise stated.
Please make sure you book in advance by calling +44 (0)20 7472 5500
Camden Arts Centre
Arkwright Road London NW3 6DG
Open: Tuesday - Sunday 10am-6pm
Late opening Wednesday 10am-9pm
Closed: Mondays and Bank Holidays
Admission free