David Jones, artist and poet (1895-1974) begins his PREFACE TO THE ANATHEMATA :

'I have made a heap of all that I could find.' (1) So wrote Nennius, or whoever composed the introductory matter to Historia Brittonum. He speaks of an 'inward wound' which was caused by the fear that certain things dear to him 'should be like smoke dissipated'. Further, he says, 'not trusting my own learning, which is none at all, but partly from writings and monuments of the ancient inhabitants of Britain, partly from the annals of the Romans and the chronicles of the sacred fathers, Isidore, Hieronymous, Prosper, Eusebius and from the histories of the Scots and Saxons although our enemies . . . I have lispingly put together this . . . about past transactions, that [this material] might not be trodden under foot'. (2)

(1) The actual words are coacervavi omne quod inveni, and occur in Prologue 2 to the Historia.
(2) Quoted from the translation of Prologue 1. See The Works of Gildas and Nennius, J.A.Giles, London 1841.


05 March 2011

Let the Healing Begin

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Opening today at the IMA, Institute of Modern Art, Brisbane:
Let the Healing Begin

The idea that art makes us better people, that it heals our souls, is an anathema. In the art world, 'art therapy' is the butt of endless jokes. Nevertheless, contemporary art is riddled with therapeutic subtexts and strategies. Let the Healing Begin features works that address therapy. Some of the works endorse therapeutic imperatives, some satirise them, others are undecided. The line-up is a mix of local and international artists:

Marina Abramovic and Ulay, Polly Borland, Julian Dashper, Robin Hungerford, Mike Kelley, Dani Marti, Pierre Molinier, Otto Muehl, Matt Mullican, Rose Nolan, Tony Oursler, Mike Parr, Grayson Perry, Stuart Ringholt, Grant Stevens, Peter Tyndall, and Gillian Wearing.

read full IMA introduction here

pictured: art therapy group at Bonzaview magnolia
image: courtesy Fosterville Institute of Applied & Progressive Cultural Experience


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