UNLIMITED GLOBAL ALCHEMY (2011-12)
Led by artist Rachel Gadsden, Unlimited Global Alchemy was a multi-layered project exploring how to live with chronic health conditions and in particular the psychology and politics of HIV/AIDS. This expansive project originated with Gadsden (UK) working with the artist-activist Bambanani Group (SA); and culminated in a programme of exhibitions, performances, screenings, talks and workshops, accompanied by a catalogue publication.
Produced by Nikki Tomlinson / Artsadmin, Unlimited Global Alchemy was presented in partnership with the Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology in Cambridge, transferring to the Southbank Centre for the Unlimited Festival as part of the Cultural Olympiad 2012.
It had its beginnings in an encounter in 2010 between Rachel Gadsden and a body-map painting made by Nondumiso Hlwele (Bambanani Group) on display at the Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology, Cambridge. Gadsden identified with the fragility and hope depicted in the painting and the experience of being kept alive by medical intervention – a shared experience – and was inspired to approach Hlwele with a view to collaborating.
Supported by an Unlimited Award through ACE and the British Council, the collaboration Unlimited Global Alchemy (UGA) began life in Khayelitsha Township with a six week residency during which a large number of drawings and paintings were created by Gadsden and the Bambanani Group. A series of seven portrait films were made with directors Deborah May and Cliff Bestall.
Following the work in South Africa, Gadsden created a body of paintings and collaborated with a team of artists and designers to create a full-length performance co-directed by Athina Vahla. and a catalogue introduced by South African writer Jonny Steinberg.
Celebratory and upbeat, UGA tackled big issues head-on: the politics of HIV/AIDS, life-giving medical regimes and surviving against the odds. Fuelled by the politics and myths surrounding chronic health issues, this startling body of work offers visceral and often poetic perspectives on what it means to experience disabling conditions and to fight openly for life in the face of social taboos. It is about access to art in the broadest sense: about participation and about how art can bridge cultural, educational, political and geographical divides.
Lead artist : Rachel Gadsden (UK)
Collaborating artists : Bambanani Group (SA), led by Nondumiso Hlwele, are Noloyiso Balintulo, Bongiwe Mba, Thozama Ndevu, Thobani Ncapai and Zodwa Somlayi
Choreographer & co-director of performance : Athina Valha
Performer : Freddie Opoku-Addaie
Performer : Sarah Chin
Designer (performance) : Mamoru Iriguchi
Sound artists : Chas de Swiet and Paul Gundry
Lighting designer : Michael Mannion
Rehearsal Director : Susan Sentler
Film Editor : Deborah May
Film Director : Cliff Bestall
Catalogue Editor : Andrew Mitchelson
Catalogue Designer : David Caines
Publication contributors : Jonny Steinberg
Mentor : Gill Lloyd (Artsadmin)
Producer : Nikki Tomlinson (Artsadmin)
Unlimited Global Alchemy was commissioned by the Unlimited programme as part of the London 2012 Festival; launching at MAA and culminating at Southbank Centre during the Paralympic Games in London.
Unlimited encourages collaborations and partnerships between disability arts organisations, disabled and deaf artists, producers, and mainstream organisations to celebrate the inspiration of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and to create original and exciting works. Unlimited is principally funded by the National Lottery through the Olympic Lottery Distributor and is delivered in partnership between London 2012, Arts Council England, Creative Scotland, Arts Council of Wales, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the British Council.
Images L to R : Body Map by Nondumiso Hlwele (Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology collection); still of Bongiwe Mba; artwork (detail) by Rachel Gadsden; on location in Khayeltisha; still from performance featuring Freddie Opoku-Addaie and Sarah Chin; Nondumiso Hlwele and Thobani Ncapai in-conversation at Southbank; Khayelitsha Township; Noloyiso Balintulo