WE ARE LIGHTNING!!!

Australian performer Joseph O'Farrell (JOF) explored urban myths with pupils from St John's Upper Holloway C.E Primary School at Windows. In preliminary workshops within school they shared local stories, drew themselves as monsters, and wrote ghost stories set in Archway. They brought this material to their week long residency at the shop where they created an elaborate cardboard haunted house installation containing drawings, cubbyholes, and sound recordings. Their den was guarded by Block Men and they included a toilet, a mystical mirror and a barbershop. Visitors were invited to explore this alternative vision of the childrens neighbourhood revealing their desires, fears and commonality.

www.JOFmakesART.com

Artists’ notes

20/05/2013
After a wonderful meeting at St. John's School, I am extremely excited about the upcoming Windows project!

10/06/2013
WE ARE LIGHTNING!! shouted Year 5. It sounded loud and fierce as we took to our second workshop together.

Our second workshop focused on Archway, and telling stories of weird and spooky happenings and characters from the area.

The students helped me map 'their world'. We created maps of Archway that had personal points of interest for the students.

Using this project as an opportunity to facilitate this groups story is proving to be a really exciting and fascinating process. I can't wait until next week when we start to build together.

18/06/2013
Our first workshops started off with a crack and a bang!
The foundations for out dens were built and we created the BLOCK MEN who act as security for the shop at night. We also built a toilet, a mystical mirror and a barbershop.. I guess the Year 5's felt these are important elements to include in a good den.

19/06/2013
By 10am passers-by have already asked me to:
-Join a band with them.
-Listen to them sing.
-Draw a ghost for them.
-Pose for a photo with them.

I want to order a T-Shirt that says "I love Archway"

23/06/2013
It's been wonderful for the kids to bring along their families today. It was so nice to hear them telling their parents "I made this" or "Listen to this story that I wrote."

They have a real ownership of their space and that is really what is at the core of this project for me. They have created a weird and wonderful (and at times very spooky) world!

24/06/2013
Today started with a woman entering the shop front and thanking me for brightening up her week. Not bad for a Monday. Looking forward to after school today when the kids can bring their families to experience their creations.

26/06/2013
Upon closing WE ARE LIGHTNING!!

I was approached by Roy as I was shutting the door. Roy, who has lived in the area for ten years, had this to say in response to the artwork: "This isn't bull s++t art, this is selfless, I think you've done a really good thing, good on ya." Well thanks Roy! It has been an absolute pleasure.

I had a fantastic time during A Million Minutes and I'd like to thank the council and the producers for providing such a supportive environment in which to create this work. I was extremely inspired by activating the space with 30 young students - a space that housed their stories and wild creations! A huge thank you to my assistants, Rhea Lobo and Yasmeen Sabri who have been wonderful to work with. These artists have helped to make this project a real success.

I will miss you Archway!