Then + Then Again: Talking with Clive Robertson about artist-run culture
Fuse, July 2007, v. 30, no. 3, pp. 26-37
This interview focuses on Clive Robertson’s historical, artistic and cultural retrospective show Then + Then Again – Practices Within an Artist Run Culture 1969-2005. Robertson’s multiple accomplishments as a voice and pioneer for the Canadian artistic community are catalogued, including the W.O.R.K.S. project, Voicespondence and the Parachute Center for Cultural Affairs. Robertson discusses his philosophical reasoning for the artwork he has produced, but also the specific origins of this show and his book Policy Matters – Administrations of Art and Culture, two projects unintentionally debuting at the same time.
Admittedly Robertson cites his interest in video as partially documentary, and the 60 hours of video he has maintained show his dedication to the spirit of art and the preservation of it socially. The interview spans both the general artistic theory and drive of Robertson’s passion for art in all forms, but simultaneously focuses on the message of the show, and the purpose of his intention of raising awareness and respect for the societal path artists in Canada have experienced. The “hybridity” of his endeavors, meaning the constant inter-media, cross-cultural, and boundary-less art he has been involved in, is investigated and its meaning expressed in Robertson’s own words.
ITEM 2007.044 – available for viewing in the Research Centre
Videos, Artworks and Artists Cited
Riddim & Hardtimes – Lillian Allen
Jessica Bradley
Lesley Johnstone
Latino Crew – Dot Tuer
Julie Fiala
The Government
De Dub Poets
Fifth Column
Gayam Rhythm Drummers
Plasterstone Replicas
Lunar Re-Appraisal – Clive Robertson
Nerve Theory (Tom Sherman and Bernhard Loibner)
Marcella Bienvenue
Some Call it Bad Luck – Lisa Steele
No Way Charlie Brown – John Greyson
Tony Whitfield
Bright Eyes – Stuart Marshall
Reid Shier
Way To My Father's Village, The – Richard Fung
Ellen Flanders