Goldsmiths Launches ‘The Gallery’ April 22, 2008

Provocative pictures of urination launch the new art gallery at Goldsmiths. The exhibition features a text by the author of The Photography Book, Ian Jeffrey, and an interview with the artist by Goldsmiths lecturer Nigel Perkins.

The Students’ Union at Goldsmiths, University of London launches its own gallery on 22 April 2008. Responding to student demand, and the current lack of a Goldsmiths gallery, the Union transformed an underused café-bar into a fully functioning gallery space. ‘The Gallery’ is the latest addition to the Made In Goldsmiths project, and launches with a solo exhibition entitled ‘Man at his toilet’ by Norwegian contemporary artist and Goldsmiths alumnus, Andreas Tovan.

Made up of photographs and film clips of the vast array of toilets and spaces the artist has urinated in since 2006, ‘Man at His Toilet’ is a raw representation of Tovan’s daily routine and brings a highly personal and often overlooked subject into the public sphere. The work simultaneously provokes us to question the act of urination itself, whilst also hinting at the sexual taboos of male urination.

Gavin Ramsey, Programme Director for Made in Goldsmiths and The Gallery, says he is “extremely excited about the opening of the gallery and is delighted to present this series of work to the public for the first time. [He hopes] The Gallery will go from strength to strength and become a reputable venue for showcasing the talent of the student body, alumni and local creative community.”

Tovan says: “I did both my BA and MA at Goldsmiths so it’s an honour to be invited to do the launch of what I hope will manifest itself as an important student gallery. I am sure some will find the work offensive or disgusting. I hope it will spark interesting debate. People who haven’t actively engaged with the socio-political issues of urination might view it as shock-art. It’s not.”

Ian Jeffrey and Nigel Perkins (who have also written a text and interview for the exhibition) will officially open the gallery on 22 April 2008, 6-9pm at Goldsmiths Students’ Union.

Official Website: http://www.goldsmithsstudents.com/