Between Different States: School of the Damned

School of the Damned is a free and artist-led MFA programme operating across the UK. As an alternative to structured education institutions, it works to create a viable and effective mode of artist-development that is open to all. With no structure, hierarchy, or physical location, it operates both at a national and hyperlocal level, with participating artists moving around the UK for meetings, workshops, and projects. Free for all, it brings together curators, writers, and artists who spend 1-2 years developing their practices; it is recognised as being at the forefront of a movement focused on positioning effective modes of art education outside the dominant structure of university institutions and art schools.

Titled ‘Between Different States’, this exhibition, occupying both of Bloc Projects’ Meanwhile Spaces at 2-4 and 16 Matilda Street, is rooted in the concept of shifting or collapsing materialities, examining the processes, systems, and consequences of a contemporary world characterised by the absolute dominance of abstract systems of communication, capital exchange, and industry. At the centre of this project is a sense of collapse or oscillation; many of the works allude to a ghost like presence of a past existence, others present. Seen as a whole, these works look to establish new possibilities of an ecological, social, and economic existence.

A public programme of workshops will accompany the exhibition; public crits will take place on 11 May, and 28 May. These will involve School of the Damned members and their works, extra places are available to Bloc Projects studio holders and any local art students; attendees are welcome to show work, or simply attend and participate in the discussions.

Other workshops will occur during the public opening on Thursday 11 May, 3-7pm and will include: writing workshop, cyanotype making, and star-making (12 May).

For more information, contact us via email: schoolofthedamned22@gmail.com