Graham Dolphin: Come Together

15 Jan-27 Feb 2022

Overview

Originally shown in 2013 when Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art was situated in Fawcett Street, ‘Come Together’ has been reworked and extended to 20 minutes for this exhibition.

The two-channel video work examines the phenomenon of pop fandom allowing us to simultaneously observe the exertions and emotions of the performer and the ecstatic response of their audience.

In summer 2013, Dolphin undertook an unusual artist residency: one at a large-scale North East music festival featuring celebrated bands who have accrued devoted fans. At the festival Dolphin was given unprecedented access to bands such as Primal Scream and Spiritualized, whose lead singers we encounter close-up. We are able to scrutinize their smallest gesture and every expression. Dolphin also captures the audience, who, seen from a distance, are caught unaware in a state of adulation. The resulting videos are presented side by side, slowed down, and in silence.

This project is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and was originally commissioned for ‘Buying Time’ a project in three parts initiated by Nathalie Levi.