Between Zen and the Arts
Workshops, Discussion and Performance
Contributors:
o Catherine Dee (visual art works)
o Alex Reed (poetry)
o Shunyata Improvisation Group (music)
Schedule
10.00 am – 1.15 pm Workshops (Poetry, Drawing and Musical Improvisation) Free Admission, Book in Advance via Newbridge Project, Vegan Lunch provided.
2.00 – 4.00 pm Performance (live collaboration by the contributors) Donations welcome but not required.
Workshops will take place in the morning and in the afternoon the three contributors will collaborate in a 90-minute performance.
Further Information
Just This is a day of exploration of the relationships between Zen and the Arts focussing on the practice of three contributors: Catherine Dee (Visual Artist), Alex Reed (Poet) and Shunyata Improvisation Group (Musicians).
All of the day’s activities are aimed to work equally well for everyone, regardless of prior experience or skill. Everyone is welcome. Just This will offer a meditative and immersive experience for audience members and workshop participants, where people can enjoy and reflect upon art coming from a place of stillness.
The contributors have prepared for the day by considering each other’s work and the principles and practice of the host organisation Newbridge Project and learning emerging from the recent Habit, Ability! exhibition.
As part of the day the contributors will create a collaborative performance combining their work. In the Exhibition Space new visual art of Catherine Dee will be displayed and Shunyata Improvisation Group will create spontaneous music whilst Alex Reed will read his poetry.
The contributors will share their reflections on how Zen practice and aesthetics have influenced each of their artistic practices and explore connections between Zen and Art, providing workshops where the audience can discuss and participate in the practice.
A ZenZine has been produced by Catherine Dee as a takeaway for the audience.
We will explore how space and restraint in art can be a meeting point for creative practioners, while simultaneously maximising the potential opportunity for reflection in the audience. The day will link to the Japanese theme of Ma (a pause in time, an interval or emptiness in space. Ma is the fundamental time and space which life needs to grow) providing periods of silence and stillness as part of the natural flow, allowing a deepening sense of space and time.