Bedlam

The definition of the word bedlam, now defined as chaos, has long since broken free of the shackles of its origins – London’s Bethlem Hospital, known variously as a priory, a brutal mad-house and a reputable psychiatric hospital.

Monarch © Antony Micallef /Courtesy Lazarides Gallery
Monarch © Antony Micallef /Courtesy Lazarides Gallery

Now, based on this etymology, the Lazarides Gallery is joining forces with The Old Vic Tunnels to explore work that is responsive to the theme of bedlam.

Bestial Descent © Antony Micallef /Courtesy Lazarides Gallery
Bestial Descent © Antony Micallef /Courtesy Lazarides Gallery

 Gallery owner Steve Lazarides says, ‘Bedlam over the years has become synonymous with madness, chaos and pandemonium, it seemed like the perfect theme for a world gone mad. Be afraid.’

The Hunt (detail) 2012, Bones, porcupine spine, insects, plant roots © Tessa Farmer
The Hunt (detail) 2012, Bones, porcupine spine, insects, plant roots © Tessa Farmer

HTC, which is sponsoring the event and will provide a device uploaded with an audiobook tour, is teaming up with artist ATMA to create an installation featuring customised handsets.

Other contributors include Anthony Micallef, Artists Anonymous, Doug Foster and Lucy McLaughlan.

Lady Psychopomp - Nightmares, 2012 mixed media amp © Tina Tsang, Photograph by David Burton, Artist represented by Mead Carney Fine Art
Lady Psychopomp – Nightmares, 2012 mixed media amp © Tina Tsang, Photograph by David Burton, Artist represented by Mead Carney Fine Art

This is the third consecutive year the Lazarides Gallery and The Old Vic Tunnels have come together to collaborate following Minotaur in 2011 and Hell’s Half Acre in 2010.

2011 art work by Doug Foster which will be re-exhibiting this year
2011 art work by Doug Foster which will be re-exhibiting this year

Bedlam takes place from 9-21 October at The Old Vic Tunnels, Station Approach Road, London SE1

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