The Tate Modern in London is presenting the exhibition Thamesmead Codex by the artist Bob and Roberta Smith (Patrick Bill) until 8 December 2024. From 2019-2020, the artist interviewed people living in Thamesmead in south-east London. The Thamesmead Codex honours the voices and local community of Thamesmead by depicting the opinions and voices of people living there. Bob and Roberta Smith brings together sign writing, activism and discarded materials. He says of his practice that he sees ‘art as an important element of democratic life’.
Image above: Bob and Roberta Smith, Thamesmead Codex 2021, collection of the artist. © tommophoto.com
Thamesmead was built in 1968 to alleviate the housing shortage in London and was one of many large-scale modernist housing projects built across Europe after the Second World War. Smith spoke to a range of residents, from the very first residents to young people growing up during the Covid-19 pandemic. The conversations resulted in 24 painted posters. Of his work, Smith says: ‘I thought I was painting a picture about a housing estate, but I was actually painting about the desire to be heard.
The term ‘codex’, from the title Thamesmead Codex, is an old word for a manuscript or book. Here the artist presents a modern version. The work documents the history and identity of Thamesmead and its communities. It captures memories from the past and hopes for a future after the end of the Covid pandemic. Alongside this record of people’s thoughts and experiences, Smith depicts vivid and futuristic landscape scenes reminiscent of illustrated pages from a codex.
Patrick Brill (born 1963), better known by his pseudonym Bob and Roberta Smith, is a British contemporary artist, writer, author and musician. Known for his ‘slogan’ art, Smith is an Associate Professor at the School of Art, Architecture and Design at London Metropolitan University and has curated public art projects such as Art U Need. He was curator of Peace Camp 2006 and launched Art Party 2013 to promote contemporary art and advocacy. His works are in collections in Europe and the United States. Brill is co-founder of the Ken Ardley Playboys and host of the radio show Make Your Own Damn Music.
WHEN?
Exhibition dates: until Sunday, December 8, 2024
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 10 am – 6 pm
WHERE?
Tate Modern
Bankside
London SE1 9TG
Unied Kingdom
COSTS?
Free admission
