Moosey, Norwich is excited to present a collection of new paintings by London based, Alexander Owen. ‘Harder, Faster’ welcomes us to experience the relationship between abandoned industrial landscapes and emerging contemporary nightlife.
JOIN MOOSEY FROM 6-8PM TO CELEBRATE ALEX’S SHOW. BOOZE AND FUN GUARANTEED.
Owen’s show continues until 6th April.
Harder, Faster
On an industrial estate in South London, heavy thumping bass and
coloured lights spill out of an old warehouse.
“…As industries move out of large spaces due to rising costs and
redevelopment, emerging nightlife scenes emerge within them during
the in-between period. Temporary spaces are incubated by the nightlife
scene, adding cultural value to the location until its significance is large
enough for interest to return and transform the building. This isn’t a new
phenomenon either, from the UK rave scene in the 90’s hijacking spaces
for a single night to larger more established venues such as Berghain
and Tresor in Berlin which both operate in decommissioned power
plants.
Because of the popularity of some of these spaces, the look and feel of
the “warehouse rave” has become synonymous with the techno music
played there. There is a sense of authenticity fostered in these spaces,
both by the people in them and by the building itself. As the
“warehouse” is popularised, it is now being replicated on larger scales.
Where the intimacy is lost, so is the authenticity. This is called into
question by the works, as all the tools and equipment are brand new,
shiny, and glistening. They’ve never been used but reference the feel of
the space…”
These spaces are often used by queer nightlife events that play on the
“macho” look of industrial space: cracking concrete, metal tubing, and
dark rooms. This links back to a historic pattern in gay nightlife, where
clubs attempt to convey a harder, more masculine feel through the
night’s name, branding, and more. The show’s title is a nod to these club
nights’ names and not-so-secret activities, but also to the fast-paced
beats and heavy-hitting bass of the techno scene.
Moosey invites us to embrace the liminal space created by Alexander
Owen and to celebrate the community they bring together.
