Radical Care - David Blandy

David Blandy is an artist examining global structures of control and networks of resistance, in areas that range from ecology, history and science to arenas of play. He makes videos, games, sound and ephemera, deconstructing forms to put them back together again. He searches for meaning in cultural life, an expanded form for auto-anthropology, sifting through multiple forms of archive, from historic texts to academic archives, archaeology and ecological theory, twitch streams and film archives; Blandy weaves poetic works that explore the complexities of the contemporary subject. He builds complex stories that sketch out a future of interdependence, through visual poetry and immersive play.   

Blandy’s projects involve complex installations, performance, writing, gaming and sound.  

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.