‘Artists couldn't understand the politics, politicos
couldn't understand the art and
neither could
stomach the violence. ...
The modern artist
does no' paint, he creates directly’
VSR are please to present Bitch War, a new solo show by London based artist Thomas Bresolin.
Bitch war explores the body as a visceral object, as a site for potential violence and a tool of protest when the right to express oneself has been taken away. Through using the conventions of artistic language to bring about a confrontation with the state the exhibition questions the use of the artists body and performance as a form of protest or expression of solidarity and the reception of this act as a condition to its external framing.
The exhibition is set against Bresolin's personal correspondence with long term prisoner John Bowden, including a statement written by Bowden specifically for the exhibition. Bresolin will present a series of on site performances that have been filmed, edited and are represented here by VSR. These explore the notion of punishment and violence used within the prison system as a method of control and humiliation. During the exhibition Bresolin will undertake a seven day hunger strike in his studio which can be seen as a act of solidarity. On the final day of the hunger strike, he will return to the exhibition space to carry out the final performance Sow Civil Violence,
In Bitch War and Bresolins practice, politics and art are indistinct. The context determines the way in which an action is received. In whatever way it is taken, what is important is that it is done and exists in its entirety as the continuation of a common social struggle.