Film Series - Movement in Light: Pure Figures in Motion

Film still from Early Abstractions,
assembled ca. 1964, Harry Smith Courtesy Harry Smith harrysmitharchives.com

Movement in Light is a series of screenings that explore the work of Man Ray, his contemporaries and the films that result from the methods Man Ray used in his filmmaking and photography.

Pure Figures in Motion, the second part in the series, is an evening of short films tracing the major developments in cameraless film techniques since the 1930s, including work by Len Lye, Harry Smith and Stan Brakhage. Ilyas Ahmed will perform live musical accompaniment for Early Abstractions, by Harry Smith.

Man Ray's experimental rayographs were created through placing objects onto light sensitive paper and exposing them to the light. Man Ray was the first artist to transfer this technique to film, paving the way for a new form of artistic expression for the moving image. Filmmakers have continued to find innovative ways to develop cameraless techniques including painting, scratching and etching on to the celluloid.

Ilyas Ahmed draws inspiration from his Pakistani origins and his recording environment. He explores his surroundings and temporal concerns with measured restraint and an immersive aesthetic. Ahmed blurs the distinction between drone, folk, raga and rock.

Programme

• A Colour Box, by Len Lye (1935)
• Loops, by Norman McLaren (1940)
• Dots, by Norman McLaren (1940)
• Vice Versa Et Cetera, by Simon Payne (2010) 
• Dresden Dynamo, by Lisa Rhodes (1971)
• Mothlight, by Stan Brakhage (1963)
• Blackout, by Aldo Tambellini (1965)
• Early Abstractions, by Harry Smith (1939 – 1956)

The majority of films screened in their original 16mm format. Curated and introduced by Ben Pritchard, Cinematograph Film Club, Dalston.

WARNING: This screening includes flashing images, similar to strobe lighting.

Places for our free events are allocated on a first come, first served basis and are subject to availability.

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