John – Thomas Abercromby

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Part of Collective’s Satellites Programme, Thomas Abercromby’s ‘John’ is a moving image work that explores the intricate ties between family, grief and the multifaceted layers of social class.

About John – Thomas Abercromby

Listed Under Exhibitions Events / Arts and Crafts Events

Titled in homage to the artist’s father, John is a new commission by Glaswegian artist and curator Thomas Abercromby. Centred around a film installation of the same name, Thomas has collaborated with an all-working-class cast and crew to explore the intricate ties between family, grief and the multifaceted layers of social class. John raises the question: how do we navigate spaces not designed for us?

The film juxtaposes childhood paintings made by Thomas' late father with opulent gallery interiors, and painterly images of peripheral urban landscapes of the artist's youth. These are seamlessly intertwined with behind-the-scenes moments that expose the subjectivity of the cast and crew themselves, and the work that has gone into the production of John. The film not only challenges traditional artistic norms but also invites audiences to confront and reflect upon the spaces and narratives that are often left uncharted in the art world.

Presented as part of Satellites Programme.

Satellites is Collective’s development programme for emergent practitioners based in Scotland. The 2022/23 participants are Thomas Abercromby, Rabindranath X Bhose, Kaya Fraser and Matty Rimmer.

Image credit: Thomas Abercromby, John, video still, 2023. Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Daniel Hughes. Featured: Julia Lau and Nevil Jose.

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