Reflecting on Britain’s island status, both literal and metaphorical, Ben Judd’s Stanley Picker Fellowship commission The Origin brought together communities of students, academics, local networks, charities and residents, and asked them to imagine a classless, stateless, humane society based on common ownership.

Participants have collaborated with Judd to define different aspects of this imagined community culminating in an ambitious installation at the Gallery, a boat along the River Thames and a series of performances, workshops and events. A “rehearsal for an alternative future” created with and for its community of participants, The Origin includes a large free-standing gallery structure built by 121 Collective and the Department of Architecture at Kingston School of Art (KSA); music produced by Refugee Action Kingston and KSA Music students; choreography developed by The Grange and KSA Dance students; written responses by The Bradbury Centre and Writers’ Centre Kingston; and costumes designed by The Gate and KSA Fashion.

Visit our website to book your timed visit slot, to read more and view images and documentary footage of The Origin programme.

Ben Judd is an artist based in London appointed Stanley Picker Fellow in Art & Design in 2019. His work examines collectivity and participation through performance, moving image and installation. Judd has exhibited widely in the UK and abroad, recently including ICA, Art Night London, Whitstable Biennale and Victoria Gallery & Museum, University of Liverpool.

Stanley Picker Gallery is free to visit, and open Thursday - Saturday 11am-5pm. It is fully accessible venue, including free parking.

Upcoming Teddington Event...

Festive Rag Wreath Making

Why not create your own unique, vintage inspired wreath out of hessian and upcycled fabrics? Come along to our festive workshop and learn the tradi...

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