UP IN SMOKE BY JOHN BOOTH & CAN

Celebrating a Decade of Design Excellence: NOW Gallery Unveils 2024 Design Commission "Up in Smoke"

As part of NOW Gallery's ongoing festivities marking its 10th anniversary, we proudly announce our highly anticipated Design Commission of 2024 - "Up in Smoke." This commission, a testament to our commitment to showcasing visionary talents, is brought to life by the dynamic designer-architect duo John Booth and Mat Barnes from CAN. Their unique perspective and innovative approach continue to redefine the boundaries of design, fashion, art, and photography.

From June 21 to September 22, 2024, the gallery space will be transformed into a vibrant, interactive installation-"Up In Smoke". This artwork, a living testament to the area's rich history, captures the essence of Greenwich Peninsula. It weaves together memories of its lively past and evolution into the vibrant cultural epicentre it is today. We invite you to explore this unique transformation, which is free to the public and open for all to enjoy.

"Up in Smoke" seamlessly merges Booth's playful, colourful design aesthetic with CAN's fresh, irreverent architectural approach. The project delves into the area's industrial and residential heritage, focusing on chimneys as a symbol of its narrative continuity. Chimneys remain emblematic despite their functional obsolescence due to technological advancements, linking us to our personal and collective histories.

The five reimagined chimneys in this exhibition represent the diverse facets of the area's history, from the 1700s Powder magazine to the modern gasworks structures. Hand-painted by Booth, these chimneys vividly portray Greenwich Peninsula's past while evoking personal memories associated with chimneys.

Visitors can explore, climb, and peer into these reimagined chimneys, fostering a deeper connection to the area's past while sparking imagination about future architectural possibilities. This immersive exhibition structure invites visitors of all ages to engage with history enjoyably and educationally.

John Booth and Mat Barnes say, “This project for NOW gallery at Greenwich Peninsula gives us an opportunity to fully realise the potential of a collaboration we’ve been working on for a number of years. The chimney holds such a romanticised position in how we collectively view and inhabit the city. We want to amplify these feelings and stir up personal memories and collective joy in the visitors that experience the installation. Chimneys like you’ve never seen them before and likely never see again.”

Curator Jemima Burrill says, “For our 10 year anniversary summer exhibition, Booth and Barnes are making giant chimneys to inhabit NOW Gallery at Greenwich Peninsula. Powerful symbols of the past, updated to become follies for a summer celebration of London’s proud architectural heritage. Chimneys are part of our city psyche and they define our skyline. John Booth’s colourful vision captures a summer essence and creates a joyful installation. Working with Barnes’ CAN architectural practice, 5 chimneys will celebrate the past and look to the future, instilling both history and a perfect interactive summer NOW Gallery experience.”

John Booth

John Booth is a Scottish-born fashion illustrator, ceramicist and textile designer based in London. Known for his textured, graphic works, John’s signature style is playful and colourful, and features a host of embroidery, bold line work and multi-layered collages spanning the fields of high fashion and interiors. He trained at Central Saint Martins and is now the college’s Associate Lecturer in Fashion. He teaches courses at other institutions such as BA Fashion at Westminster University, and has collaborated with designers such as Fendi, Ashish and Paul Smith.

CAN is an Architecture and Ideas studio founded by Mat Barnes. Since its formation in 2016, CAN has built a reputation for creating striking and idiosyncratic projects, underwritten by cultural and historical research. CAN designs projects that subvert and amplify their social and cultural contexts, using unexpected materials and forms. CAN was included in the Observer's Top 5 architecture of 2020 and was recognised with the RIBA Rising Star Award in 2021.

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Exhibition dates: June 21 -September 22, 2024

Private view - 20 June - 6pm - 10pm

NOW Gallery at Greenwich Peninsula www.nowgallery.co.uk

Free Entry

ABOUT NOW GALLERY

Conceived as part of the on-going regeneration of Greenwich Peninsula, NOW Gallery sits within a pavilion designed by architects Marks Barfield, moments from The O2 and North Greenwich station. One of the original buildings created by Knight Dragon, it is a public exhibition space for contemporary art, fashion, photography and design, with an ever-revolving programme of free to attend work from established and emerging artists, designers and other creative practitioners. Providing a place for investigation, NOW Gallery is a space for creatives to develop ideas and unprecedented artwork. It plays an important role of connecting to the locality via introducing interactive pieces of work that invite the public in to engage, contemplate and return, forming a relationship with the surrounding area and helping to shape the Greenwich Peninsula community.

ABOUT GREENWICH PENINSULA

Greenwich Peninsula is fast becoming the capital’s most boldly modern landscape. With 17,487 new homes, 12,000 new jobs and 48 acres of open public space emerging over the coming years. Here a community of thousands of pioneers live in new riverside homes, work in a cutting-edge Design District and enjoy the Tide, the neighbourhood’s elevated, riverside walkway and public art trail that celebrates art, design and wellbeing - all wrapped by the river Thames. This is new London: a destination for modern urban living.

Mat Barnes (director of CAN)

"Tokyo International Film Festival 2023 & Prime Video Unveil 'Talk To Me' Finalist by Jimmy Ming Shum"

The 36th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) and Amazon Prime Video are thrilled to announce the finalists for the highly anticipated Amazon Prime Video Take One Award. Among the remarkable entries in the "Short Film" category, Jimmy Ming Shum's "Talk To Me" has been selected as a finalist. The award will be presented to the winner at the TIFF Awards Ceremony on October 28th, 2023. Jury members will select the winner based on the film's quality and its creative vision.

Teaser “Talk To Me” by Jimmy Ming Shum

"Talk To Me" explores the profound theme of loneliness and its impact on the human experience, especially in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Due to his experience living in this vibrant city, Jimmy Ming Shum was inspired to portray the feeling of isolation that can be felt in a densely populated city.

As Fumi navigates through empty shops, desolate streets, and disconnected phone calls while yearning for genuine human connections, she grapples with the pervasive sense of loneliness. Through Fumi's character, audiences are invited to explore themes of aging, loss, and the fundamental human desire for companionship.

Short longlines summaries the narrative: "Fumi lives alone in a big city, longing for connection. The film was shot during the challenging times of the pandemic lockdown, adding a layer of depth and relevance to the story. When a sad stranger calls, their worlds are shifted.”

Behind the scenes : Jimmy Ming Shum's compelling short film "Talk To Me" portrays a narrative of profound solitude against Tokyo's dynamism. In a bustling cityscape, Fumi navigating empty streets and hollow phone calls, reflects a poignant longing for genuine connection amidst the isolating experience. Filmed during the pandemic lockdown, the film resonates with a unique depth, intensifying its relevance. Director Jimmy delves expertly into the intricacies of the human psyche, leaving a lasting emotional impression. His use of light and shadow, soundscape and visuals, creates a compelling drama that is both timeless and timely. The powerful message of the film resonates with audiences, reminding us of the fragility of human connection and the importance of meaningful communication.

About Jimmy Ming Shum:

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Jimmy Ming Shum

A multi-talented artist hailing from Hong Kong and now living in Tokyo, Jimmy Ming Shum is a director, writer, and producer with an American college degree in photography and filmmaking. In the Asian creative scene, Jimmy's ability to integrate cultural heritage and contemporary themes distinguishes him from other artists.

Film director Jimmy brings a fresh perspective to his work, showcasing his storytelling skills and delivering cinematic excellence. In 2023, his directorial debut garnered critical acclaim, firmly establishing him as a rising talent. Dedicated to pushing the limits of the art form, Jimmy is a visionary filmmaker.

In addition to his prowess as a film director, Jimmy is renowned for his striking and visually stunning photography. This spans the fashion, commercial, and art realms. His work has graced prestigious publications and exhibitions throughout Asia and been commissioned by international brands, reflecting his artistic vision.

Jimmy's passion for his craft and dedication to storytelling have propelled him to the forefront of the Asian creative community. His unique voice and creative vision make him a true standout, inspiring and captivating audiences worldwide with his work.

For more information on "Talk To Me" in Amazon Prime Video Take One Award finalists, visit the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival website.

Website: https://2023.tiff-jp.net/news/en/?p=18346

Alberto Venzago: Stylist of Reality

Retrospective of the Swiss photographer at the Ernst Leitz Museum in Wetzlar, Germany

For over five decades, Alberto Venzago has been using his Leica camera to capture the world through a diverse range of subjects and photographic genres. From documentary reportages to staged scenes, his body of work reflects a deep exploration of human experiences. The retrospective exhibition at the Ernst Leitz Museum in Wetzlar, Germany, featuring around 150 photographs, offers a captivating glimpse into Venzago's rich and varied portfolio. Running until May 14th, 2023, this exhibition showcases the depth and breadth of his artistic vision.

Venzago's globetrotting lifestyle took him to various corners of the world, including Australia, Japan, and New York, before returning to his home country of Switzerland. Throughout his journeys, he documented powerful stories and significant events, ranging from the Iranian Revolution to deforestation in the rainforest, from child prostitution in Manila to voodoo ceremonies in Benin. His fearless approach often brought him into perilous situations, as he strived to capture the essence of his subjects up close. People have always been at the heart of his award-winning reportages, which have been widely published.

Beyond his photojournalistic endeavors, Venzago's expertise extends to professional studio photography, where he has created iconic and visually stunning advertising campaigns. His portfolio includes striking portraits of international celebrities such as Tina Turner, Penelope Cruz, Sting, and Mick Jagger, showcasing the diversity of his creative output. The interplay between documentary and staged photography has been a defining characteristic of his career.

The exhibition in Wetzlar provides a comprehensive overview of Venzago's work, highlighting key milestones such as his series on the Yakuza, the voodoo cult, and a collection of captivating celebrity portraits. The showcase also includes a selection of his films, underscoring his talent as a film director.

Reflecting on his acclaimed Yakuza series, Venzago recalls being the only photographer granted such intimate access to the criminal organization. His trustworthiness and dedication earned him acceptance, allowing him to delve deep into their world. The project became a long-term exploration rather than a mere journalistic scoop. Venzago's commitment to depth and authenticity was evident to the Yakuza from the start, resulting in unprecedented access.

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Renowned filmmaker Wim Wenders lauds Venzago's Voodoo project, describing it as a unique and unparalleled visual experience. Distilled from twelve years of remarkable encounters, over 100 hours of video footage, and thousands of negatives, Venzago's work transcends traditional boundaries, offering an extraordinary perspective on the subject matter.

Alberto Venzago's exhibition invites viewers to immerse themselves in the power of his images, to witness the extraordinary and the intimate, and to appreciate the lifelong dedication he has invested in capturing the essence of the human experience.

Albert Venzago biography: Alberto Venzago is a Swiss photographer, photojournalist, and filmmaker born on 10 February 1950. He decided to teach himself photography in his mid-20s after studying remedial education and clarinet. He quickly gained success, spending four years working for the Magnum Photos Agency with his work published in the likes of Life, Stern, and Geo and moving effortlessly between photojournalistic documentation, independent artistic creation, and advertising. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the renowned ICP Infinity Award. Venzago lives and works in Zurich.

More at www.venzago.com

About Leica Store Hong Kong Causeway Bay

“Leica Store Hong Kong Causeway Bay” is Hong Kong’s first flagship store on Pak Sha Road in Causeway Bay, a destination bringing together premium cameras, coffee, lifestyle products and artworks in the city. Designed by renowned design studio LAAB Architects, through the integration of Hong Kong’s cultural characteristics and photographic elements, the flagship provides a new and extraordinary photographic art experience for Leica customers and photographers. The art gallery regularly exhibits works of famous international and local photographers, allowing people to enjoy shopping and a variety of fun activities.

About Leica Camera – A Partner for Photography

Leica Camera AG is an international, premium manufacturer of cameras and sports optics. The legendary reputation of the Leica brand is based on a long tradition of excellent quality, German craftsmanship and German industrial design, combined with innovative technologies. An integral part of the brand's culture is the diversity of activities the company undertakes for the advancement of photography. In addition to the Leica Galleries and Leica Akademies spread around the world, there are the Leica Hall of Fame Award and, in particular, the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA), which is considered one of the most innovative sponsorship awards existing today. Furthermore, Leica Camera AG, with its headquarters in Wetzlar, Hessen, and a second production site in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal, has a worldwide network of its own national organizations and Leica Retail Stores.

Official Facebook page of Leica Camera Hong Kong: Leica Camera

Official Instagram page of Leica Camera Hong Kong: leicacamerahk