Radical Care - Marcus Coates

For Marcus Coates caring is fundamentally about relating. His attempts to relate to others’ experiences, including those that are deemed too different, explore the power of empathy and creativity and this often leads to a re-imagining of the cultural tools at his disposal. From his attempts to become animal to his vicarious experiences on behalf of individuals, he aims to discover new degrees of understanding and knowing, testing traditional definitions and boundaries.

The form and purpose of his work continues to develop in consideration to society’s needs which he responds to by working with individuals, communities, institutions, organisations and the general public. In this way he sees the role of art practice as a necessary and pragmatic service to counter the limitations of cultural tools. Coates has collaborated with people from a wide range of disciplines including anthropologists, ornithologists, wildlife sound recordists, choreographers, politicians, gallerists, curators, psychiatrists, palliative care consultants, musicians and primatologists amongst others.

Warning: this talk will include a film that shows images and explores issues that include self-harm, suicide, delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia.

Radical Care is a programme of free public talks presented by Hereford College of Arts and Meadow Arts. It explores the question of care in the context of contemporary art and how artists are transforming their creative practices to foster well-being and connectedness.

As our world becomes increasingly precarious and complex, a sense of uncertainty and anxiety is becoming widespread, impacting general well-being both in the fabric of society and on an individual level. In this context, how might art help us reconnect, heal, and better understand one another?

The question of care has become a central concern for artists. This manifests both through the act of creating work—individually or collaboratively—and in response to a range of issues they are passionate about. These responses may take many forms: creating participatory social spaces, highlighting social neglect and marginalised communities, or addressing the undeniable need for collective care in confronting the environmental crisis. Different approaches to care through artistic practices also connect with a notable shift in the wider world of contemporary art, which increasingly understands art as a process and a relationship, rather than merely a product.

Whether you’re a practising artist, student, graduate, or simply curious about the power of art to inspire change, all are welcome to join these free public events to gain fresh insights and engage with bold ideas shaping the future of contemporary art.