7 February 2017 10:23

With all the talk of ‘fake news’, is the world now best understood as a cartoon?

Highly acclaimed artist Andy Holden provides his animated theory on the subject through a new exhibition just opened at Lancaster University’s Peter Scott Gallery.

Under the title ‘As Speed Increases Objects Can Be In Several Places At Once’, the exhibition forms part of an inspiring showcase presented by Lancaster Arts, the University’s public arts programme.

At the heart of the exhibition is the film work ‘Laws of Motion in a Cartoon Landscape’, an exploration of the world after the end of history. Part-lecture, part-documentary, part-conspiracy theory, the film examines the formation of ‘laws’ within cartoons as a way of making sense of the world we live in.

The artist’s avatar invites the viewer to experience a world where laws such as ‘Everything falls faster than an anvil’ are given the same critical attention as philosophy, physics and politics. It is an irrational space where anything can happen, yet certain things reoccur.

Five years in the making, ‘Laws of Motion’ is installed alongside a wider body of work connecting to the long-term project, including new films, prints and drawings.

Artist Andy Holden said: “Lancaster Arts’ support has resulted in an ambitious installation – it is the most fully developed iteration of this ongoing body of work.”

Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Lancaster University Professor Simon Guy, who opened the exhibition, said: “We are delighted to stage this topical, thought-provoking and visually thrilling exhibition on campus. This is a gem of an exhibition by an acclaimed, international artist, who is currently working with The Tate, which we hope will draw people nationally.”

Also showing at the Peter Scott Gallery is a film installation entitled ‘66 Million’, the work of artist Rebecca Chesney.

Shot in October 2016, one month before the presidential election, ‘66 Million’ presents California as it enters its sixth year of drought. Sites in Yosemite National Park and the agricultural Central Valley show the differing impact of the drought on natural and man-made environments.

‘66 Million’ introduces new work and research being developed through Rebecca Chesney’s three-month residency at Montalvo Arts Centre in Saratoga, USA.

Both exhibitions, which are free to enter, are open to the public on week days in the Peter Scott Gallery from noon until 5pm. They run until March 17. Further details are available via www.lancasterarts.org or by calling 01524 594151.