Art Review: Destroy All Monsters, Hungry For Death

By Londonist Last edited 169 months ago
Art Review: Destroy All Monsters, Hungry For Death

DAMhungry.jpg
Image from Destroy All Monsters achive, courtesy of [ Space ]
Curated by James Hoff and Cary Loren, Hungry for Death showcases the archives of Destroy All Monsters, an artists' collective that was formed at a house party in 1973. Labelled "the world's first noise band" DAM created unorthodox music inspired by The Stooges, Albert Ayler, Sun Ra, Velvet Underground and Sci-Fi B-movies.

Their work, which includes films, performances and magazines, was also influenced by political subcultures, iconic elements of 60s counterculture, and their hometown of Ann Arbor. In 1976, after Mike Kelley and Jim Shaw left DAM and were replaced by the late Stooges guitarist Ron Asheton and Michael Davis from MC5, DAM entered a new, punk-driven musical phase. In 1996, the original members of DAM reunited, which resulted in a tour and appearances in various exhibitions and music festivals in USA, Europe and Australia.

Hungry for Death captures not only the vision of DAM, it also effectively conveys the influences that drove DAM's artistic expression, giving a feel for the elements of inspiration that were utilised by the collective during the 70s. The walls of the exhibition are covered by band posters, photographs, flyers, drawings, magazines, and records. This is accompanied by video and audio installations, creating an atmosphere of sensory overload, which in turn reduces and channels the experience, allowing the visitor to focus on individual aspects of the collective's work.

On Friday 12th February from 11am to 11pm, and Saturday 13th February from 12pm to 4pm there will be a two-day residency by Hype Williams, The White Powder Truth Sessions, which will include open invite improvisation, performances, screenings and motivational talks.

By JennW

Hungry for Death is currently showing at [ Space ] until 20th February. Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm and Saturday 12 - 4pm. Admission is free. [ Space ], 129 - 131 Mare St, London E8 3RH.

Last Updated 08 February 2010