Join Tate Liverpool for a late night celebration of William Blake, the painter, printmaker, poet and mystical philosopher considered one the great geniuses of British art. Coinciding with the Gallery’s display, Tate08 Series: William Blake – The River of Life, Late at Tate presents Wild Thing, an evening inspired by the artist and his techniques. Tonight, find out more about Blake’s techniques with a skilled printmaker and catch a performance of Blake Reinvented, the culmination of a project led by Young Tate in collaboration with ESOL (English for Speakers of other Languages) and Artstudents from Liverpool Community College, LIPA students and the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Youth Theatre.
Taking place in the foyer and continuing wherever the performance leads, Blake Reinvented, is a spellbinding mix of fashion and promenade theatre inspired by contemporary interpretations of Blake’s work. The performance breathes life into his mythical imagery, in an exploration of the relationship between innocence and experience. Taking the formof a theatrical fashion parade, the performance will be enhanced with a spectacular lighting display, designed by professional lighting designer Itamar Houri from LIPA (Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts).
The project, which has been running since January as part of the Government’s Find Your Talent initiative, has brought young local people together to interpret Blake works from the Tate collection. Taking part in weekly workshops to learn about the artist, his art and his techniques, participants have been ‘reinventing’ his signature style through costume design and performance. The group have been planning all elements of the show, from auditioning models and actors, to altering and deconstructing second hand clothes, responding to works such as Newton(1795/c.1805) and Satan Exulting over Eve (c.1795).
Blake Reinvented has been organized and led by Young Tate, an enthusiastic group of young art activists aged 13 – 25 who meet regularly to create and deliver dynamic youth projects for the Gallery. Young Tate aims to provide opportunities for young people to plan free, stimulating and fun activities for their peers. Previous events led by Young Tate include last year’s Halloween extravaganza Fright Night, The Alternative Turner Prize (2007) and Peter Blake’s Beach Party (2007).
Throughout the evening (18.00 – 21.00) visitors are invited to watch printmaker Roslyn Vallejo create Blake-inspired images using the specialist intaglio printmaking process which was used by the artist himself. Join the demonstration and take away a free token of the evening - one of 50 limited edition prints. This event is free but booking is essential. Call 0151 702 7400 or visit Tate Liverpool in person to reserve your place.
18.00 – 21.00 | Print Making with Rosylin Vallejo | Group Reception Room
19.00 – 19.30 | Performance: Blake Reinvented | Foyer
20.30 – 21.00 | Performance: Blake Reinvented | Foyer