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SYNOPSIS FOR BUILDING MARTELLO STREET STUDIOS

My name is Hervé Constant a French artist, based in London since the mid 1980’s. Born in Casablanca (Morocco), I was brought up in South of France.

For more information visit /herve2/multimedia/BuildingMartello.wmv

 

SYNOPSIS FOR BUILDING MARTELLO STREET STUDIOS This video is based on the probable closure, of a studio complex for artists, where I have been based for nearly 20 years. Accompanying the video is the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, Mass in B minor. I wanted the music to create a certain nostalgia and melancholy. I chose to film very slowly the exploration of the building: stairs, corridor, toilets, compiling a narrative for the building: All is quiet and empty. No life or atmosphere. I omitted any kind of natural sound in order to create a certain atmosphere of loss and emptiness.

Most artists are obviously worried about losing their studio. The building is very quiet. They cannot find much time to concentrate on their art; as a consequence of having to pay for materials, accommodation, in addition to the cost of running a studio. Artists need to work almost full time, creating other sources of income. I wanted the video to represent that feeling of melancholy and mystery. The aim of this film is to present a realistic view of the life of most artists.

The building has around 40 studios with over 60 artists being in at varying times. I saw a lot of internal and external changes in the site. I remember quite clearly the time when gypsies were allowed to stay close to our building. They were of the kind of nomadic type, never to stay very long. People were not keen on their presence, attributing incidents to them. The reputation of the area at the time was one of dangerous and threatening atmosphere. Now it has become gentrified. You can see the difference on any Saturday when you visit Broadway Market, situated around the corner. The sound of voices has changed.

My relationship with the building and therefore my studio is similar to a marriage; commitment, pleasure and despair.

Short video of 9.30mn MPEG2
Herve Constant London Feb 06