Centre for Contemporary Photography (CCP) presents a major survey of the monumental Crowd Theory photographs by Melbourne-born, London-based artist Simon Terrill. The exhibition explores crowd dynamics and the relationship between urban architectural spaces and those who inhabit them.
Crowd Theory (2004–2018) is an ongoing series of performance-based events, where Terrill engages with entire urban groups, asking them to perform ‘an idea of how they imagine their communities’. The first iteration of the work took place at Footscray Community Arts Centre in 2004 and the most recent event was staged in Thamesmead, London. For each project, an invitation is made to anyone and everyone with an association to each site to come together for a single, yet collective photographic portrait. Participants are specified a time for the event, but are encouraged to choose how to represent themselves, creating a socially-charged space which reveals tensions between public and private identities.
Each Crowd Theory work involves extensive collaboration, through the mobilisation of up to 300 people, as well as the coordination of lighting, soundtracks, smoke machines, catering and marshalling, creating a theatre-like atmosphere.
For the exhibition at CCP, Terrill will show the full suite of ten mural-sized photographs together for the first time, alongside a new sculptural work, a publication and a series of associated public programs and events.
Simon Terrill: Crowd Theory
2 February — 31 March 2019
Opening: Friday 1 February 2019, 6–8pm
Centre for Contemporary Photography
404 George St, Fitzroy Vic 3065
