DISARM
Posted: May 22, 2013 | Project: Disarm |By Lucinda Lovell
Lisson Gallery, London, UK
We started planning for Pedro’s exhibition many months before the event – one half of the instruments, the Imagine series, came from the Gwangju Biennale and the Istanbul Biennale; the other half, Disarm series, directly from Mexico. The Imagine instruments were in the UK by January 2013 and we then worked closely with the music producer John Coxon, to produce a record – a limited edition publication for the exhibition. Coxon called in 6 other musicians and they spent a day improvising on the instruments in the renowned RAK studios in central London. Several weeks later a beautiful Vinyl was produced featuring 12 tracks recorded on that day and album artwork taken from Pedro’s designs.
Meanwhile, Pedro Reyes and Lisson Gallery were busy working together on the content of the exhibition itself. Opening on 26th March, 2013, the exhibition featured 8 Machine Music paintings, 8 Disarm instruments – including a Xylophone, Rain Stick, Guitar, Banjo and Violin, and 9 mechanised Disarm instruments – instruments that would be continuously playing throughout the 6 week exhibition. The paintings were in the first two rooms of the gallery, greeting the visitors as they arrive; a fantastic visual mix of musical instruments and war machinery combined in a rich textual composition. Leading you into the back rooms was Disarm (Guitar) and the bright orange vinyl record on book shelves surrounding the receptionists desk. The visitor then encountered a wall covered with bright yellow posters advertising the opening event and the Disarm instruments on custom made shelves. The mechanised Disarm instruments were configured in the main gallery – occupying the space both visually and acoustically. The reaction surrounding the exhibition was tremendous from both the British Press and the visitors.
Images Courtesy of Lisson Gallery
Disarm Concert
Posted: May 22, 2013 | Project: Uncategorized |By Lucinda Lovell
Lisson Gallery, London, UK
Lisson Gallery was absolutely packed on the 26th March – the opening night of Pedro Reyes’ exhibition. There was a mixture of people in attendance – top collectors, art world journalists, general public and students – all excited to see the intriguing and original instruments being played. The press surrounding the exhibition had been very positive so everyone was excited to hear the instruments being played. Sol beer was the drink on offer in keeping with the Mexican theme. The opening began at 6:30pm with the concert scheduled for 7:30pm. By the time the event was approaching the whole gallery space was full and there was an air of anticipation in the audience. John Coxon led the musicians – another 6 in total – and they improvised on the instruments, well practiced from their day spent recording at RAK Studios. The ability of the musicians was incredible as they each played 4 or 5 instruments and switched between them easily. The music they played was mostly rock although the tempo and tune varied throughout. The drums gave a constant beat that couldn’t help but infect the audience and make toes start tapping. Pedro was watching from the room above – looking down on the musicians making ‘machine music’ and seeing the crowds delighted reaction. The buzz created by the musicians lasted for about 45 minutes after the concert when the gallery had to close and the musicians went off for the after party. It was an excellent evening – very memorable and enjoyable for those in attendance!
Images Courtesy of Lisson Gallery
