Deconstructing the Sketchbook: The Genesis of ‘Screenshare’

Screenshare is constructed from meticulously recreated pages of Devlin’s personal sketchbooks, spanning 35 years of artistic exploration. These aren’t polished presentations, but rather raw, intimate glimpses into the artist’s thought process. “The sketches have been made over the past 35 years: some are drawings of London species, some drawings of my kids, lots of process drawings, traces of me trying to work out ideas or share them with collaborators,” Devlin explains. The installation offers a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of ideas, from initial concept to realized form.

A Sonic Landscape: The Role of ‘An Atlas of Es Devlin’

Accompanying the visual element of Screenshare is a specially curated soundtrack. The audio component features an excerpt from An Atlas of Es Devlin, a record released last year in collaboration with Polyphonia. This sonic landscape further enriches the immersive experience, providing a complementary layer of meaning and emotion. The Vinyl Factory has long been a champion of cross-disciplinary art, and this collaboration exemplifies their commitment to blurring the boundaries between visual and auditory mediums.

Building on Past Collaborations

Devlin’s relationship with The Vinyl Factory extends beyond Screenshare. In 2021, she staged BlueSkyWhite as part of the LUX exhibition, also held at 180 Studios. This earlier work demonstrated Devlin’s ability to create large-scale, immersive environments that challenge perceptions and engage audiences on multiple levels. The current installation feels like a natural progression, delving deeper into the artist’s personal archive and inviting a more intimate connection with her creative process.

‘The Vinyl Factory: Reverb’ – A Celebration of Art and Sound

The Vinyl Factory: Reverb is a comprehensive exhibition featuring 17 distinct audio-visual installations. Beyond Devlin’s Screenshare, the show includes contributions from a diverse range of artists, including Carsten Nicolai, Caterina Barbieri, Stan Douglas, Jeremy Deller, and Cecilia Bengolea. A particularly noteworthy element is Devon Turnbull’s HiFi Listening Room Dream No 1, a dedicated space for experiencing vinyl on a bespoke, high-fidelity sound system. The Vinyl Factory: Reverb truly offers a multi-sensory exploration of the power of sound and its intersection with visual art.

What role does the physical format of vinyl play in enhancing the artistic experience, and how does it differ from digital listening?

Considering Devlin’s work often explores themes of memory and ephemerality, how does the act of taking a piece of the installation home with you contribute to the overall meaning of Screenshare?

Secure your tickets to The Vinyl Factory: Reverb at 180 Studios now: https://www.180studios.com/reverb

Location: 180 Studios, 180 The Strand, London, WC2R 1EA

Dates: May 22, 2024 – March 2, 2025

Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Further Exploration: Read our interview with Devon Turnbull to learn more about his innovative approach to sound systems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Es Devlin’s ‘Screenshare’

1. What is the central concept behind Es Devlin’s ‘Screenshare’ installation?
   Screenshare is an immersive artwork constructed from recreations of Es Devlin’s sketchbooks, allowing visitors to view a short film and then take a page from the ‘screen’ as a memento.
2. How long will ‘The Vinyl Factory: Reverb’ exhibition be running?
   The Vinyl Factory: Reverb will be open to the public until March 2, 2025, offering an extended period to experience the diverse range of audio-visual installations.
3. What other artists are featured in ‘The Vinyl Factory: Reverb’?
   The exhibition showcases works by Carsten Nicolai, Caterina Barbieri, Stan Douglas, Jeremy Deller, Cecilia Bengolea, and Devon Turnbull, among others.
4. Where can I purchase tickets for ‘The Vinyl Factory: Reverb’?
   Tickets for The Vinyl Factory: Reverb can be purchased directly through the 180 Studios website: https://www.180studios.com/reverb.
5. Is ‘An Atlas of Es Devlin’ available for purchase?
   Yes, An Atlas of Es Devlin is available for purchase through The Vinyl Factory’s online store: https://thevinylfactory.com/product/an-atlas-of-es-devlin/.
6. What are the opening hours of 180 Studios?
   180 Studios is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Wednesday through Sunday.