Tacita Dean: Crackers

28 Oct 2023-21 Apr 2024

Overview

Delve further into John Craxton’s life and experiences of the Mediterranean in Crackers (2023), a new film by Tacita Dean (b.1965).

Made to coincide with the ‘John Craxton: A Modern Odyssey’ exhibition which celebrates the Modern British artist, this brand new film created in Crete has been made as an elegy to Craxton and the places he knew and loved.

The film’s title, Crackers – the nickname given to Craxton by friends – encapsulates both the spirit of how the film was made and something of the artist himself. Tacita Dean first met Craxton when she was 16 on holiday with her family, staying opposite Craxton’s house in Chania, Crete. This first encounter with a ‘real artist’ would prove life-changing for her.

The 16mm colour film takes the form of a diptych, featuring scenes and sounds found in and around his house in Crete. These include Craxton’s favourite subjects – the White Mountains, dizzying gorges, city cats and intrepid goats.

Dean first came to prominence in the 1990s and is one of the most influential artists working today. Her practice encompasses many mediums, but she works primarily in film.