British artist, Serena Korda is in town for the summer with her showcase ‘Aping the Beast’. Korda’s latest creations showcase animal symbolism and folklore; think age old tales of giant beasts and the fascination versus repulsion of spiders and snakes.
Set in the Grundy itself is the main attraction, The Beast, a giant rubber T-Rex type dinosaur which takes centre stage in the main exhibition hall. Elsewhere in the gallery is a selection of pictures and a silent film of a black cat; a suspicious and magnificent character which many believe to be an omen of extreme bad luck, especially upon crossing your path.
Two short films are screened in the gallery, one showing a well choreographed dance of the beast itself accompanied by haunting sounds from the Blackpool male voice choir. The other,The Transmitters, references a ritual which stems from Italian folklore, when women who had been bitten
the deadly Tarantula spider must dance the fast paced ‘Tarentella’ to save them from paralysis and certain death. The performers are drawn, fascinated toward a microphone and pulled away with the same energy. In this work, Korda explores ‘ideas of expression, female hysteria and subjugation.’
This is your chance to get involved!
The Beast will be centre stage for three performances around Blackpool. For each of these to happen volunteers are needed for all three performances, to bring the beast to life!
The Awakening:
Date: Saturday 8th June
Location: Grundy Art Gallery
The beast is awakened in a ritual performed by local schoolchildren dressed as ‘Boggarts’; mischievous spirits from Lancashire folklore.
Fertility Orbit of the Boob Meteorite:
Date: Wednesday 3rd July, 7:30pm.
Location: Grundy Art Gallery
The beast duets with ‘The boob Meteorite’ a female performer encased in fossilised breasts symbolising an orb of female energy.
Aping the Beast procession:
Date: Friday 19th July
Location: Meeting at Grundy Art Gallery
The final performance will see the 15ft tall Beast travel in procession along Blackpool promenade with a spectacular aquatic finale in Blackpool Tower Circus.
To get involved in Aping the Beast, contact the Grundy art gallery in person or by ringing 01253 478170.
The Grundy is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.
