ROCK AND ROLL PUBLIC LIBRARY

IN VENICE

 

from Mick Jones archive

 


ISTITUTO SANTA MARIA DELLA PIETA, VENICE

8TH MAY - 22ND NOVEMBER 2015

 

A treasure trove of popular culture is washing up on the banks of Venice's grand waterways with the opening of

The Rock and Roll Public Library during the 56th Venice Biennale.

A site-specific installation exploring the notion of archive as art, the library is a curated selection taken from the impressive archive of iconic musician and producer Mick Jones of The Clash collected over the past 40 plus years.

 

Curated collectively by Jones himself, James Putnam and Alteria Art, the library represents just the tip of the iceberg of The Clash songwriter's full archive. Spread over three rooms, the exhibition will feature wall-mounted installations, a 1970s music listening booth, display cases decorated with vibrant collages whilst records, stage outfits and other punk-era clothing will hang from the ceiling. The final room will recreate Jones' own living room, offering an insight into how his obsession and the archive itself have materialised. Visitors will be able to interact with the archive from its collector's perspective—as if in the home of a good friend. This physical interaction with the materials evokes memories and recollections, personal emotions and unique attachments in each visitor.

 

In addition to the exhibition:
Celebrated British artists Tim Noble and Sue Webster will make their own curated selection of items from Jones' archive, a personal edit of objects that speak to them and that will be displayed within the exhibition.

 

The invite only launch event will feature a live performance by Mick Jones playing with Sugarmen, his latest protégé’s who have recently supported The Who and who will open for them and Blur in Hyde Park this June. The show will open with a set from rising star Tom Bright. Full details to follow.

 

In collaboration with The Vinyl Factory, Mick Jones will be releasing a limited edition record to coincide with the opening in Venice.

The vinyl, called Ex Libris, will feature all new tracks written and recorded by Jones in his studio at the start of 2015. Artwork has also been produced by Jones and will feature a booklet of images.

 

This edition of The Rock and Roll Public Library is supported by Dr. Martens, with additional backing from

Les Inrockuptibles and London College of Fashion, UAL.

The launch is kindly supported by The Hard Rock Cafe, Venice.