5/6/2002
Archigram!
Plug In, Manitoba
This exhibition focuses on the innovative concepts and visionary projects of the English architectural group Archigram (Warren Chalk, Peter Cook, Dennis Crompton, David Greene, Ron Herron and Michael Webb). Especially active during the years from 1961 to 1974, the London-based group anticipated the global inter-relatedness of culture and technology.
The presentation of Archigram: Experimental Architecture 1961-74 was
organised by the Archigram Archives, London
In celebration of Plug In's 30th anniversary, the Institute is proud to
present: ARCHIGRAM!
This exhibition focuses on the innovative concepts and visionary projects of
the
English architectural group Archigram (Warren Chalk, Peter Cook, Dennis
Crompton, David Greene, Ron Herron and Michael Webb). Especially active during
the years from 1961 to 1974, the London-based group
anticipated the global
inter-relatedness of culture and technology and thus had an
immediate influence on
architectural discussions worldwide.
The significance of
their work for the
international community of architects has long been
recognized; in the early 90s
they were back in the focus of debates about future urban
life. Thus, it comes as
no surprise that their work should be presented in Winnipeg,
a city at a significant
crossroads in its development or devolution.
Herron, Crompton and Cook developed a sophisticated spatial
exhibition structure
arranging Archigram's work - more than 1000 original drawings
and sketches, and
over two dozen models. Concepts - Living City, the Woolands
Plug'n Clip Room
and the Harrod's 1990 House - which had formerly been
translated into reality have
been reconstructed. The significance of the drawings lies in
the fact that they were
not only important for the work within the group, but also
had an influence on
modern architectural drawing techniques and the structures
they represented.
Fun, play and pleasure were the rationale for Archigram's
projects, not as
recreation, the pause that refreshes, between stretches of
productive labour, but as
an epistemology and an end in itself. From Concerning
Archigram, edited by
Dennis Crompton, published by Archigram Archives, London
1998.
RIBA Gold Medal Winners
http://www.archigram.net/
Established in 1972, Plug In - ICA was
Manitoba's first artist-run centre. For over 25
years, Plug In - ICA has played a central role
in
creating a living culture in Manitoba, placing
the
art practise of our province within the context
of
world contemporary art.
Event coincides with the Royal Canadian Architectural Association meeting in
Winnipeg June 5-8.
The Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday 11 to 5
PLUG In
Istitute of Contemporary Arts
286 McDermot Ave Winnipeg,
Manitoba R3B 0T2, CANADA
phone 204-9421043
fax 204-9448663