BUFFALO—November, 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of the Ways In Being Gay biennial, conceived of by Ron Ehmke in 1988 as a three-week series of “works by lesbians and gay men.” In recent years, the mult-disciplinary affair has taken on the extended name Ways In/Between Gender, to reflect the programs expansive scope in content and form, as well as its representation of those concerns and issues facing the transgender communities. To celebrate the 20th anniversary, Hallwalls will extend Ways In Being Gay : Ways In/Between Gender to a year long series that will embrace the history of the biennial as well as present new works by emerging artists.
To launch this year-long initiative, Hallwalls proudly presents a two-part tribute to experimental filmmaker and Renaissance man, Derek Jarman (1942 -1994 ) whose work has been presented by Hallwalls on a number of occasions over the past 20+ years, starting with a the five-program series of his work, titled OF ANGELS AND THE APOCALYPSE, which took place at Hallwalls in January, 1987.
Thursday, November 6, 2008 8pm at the Market Arcade Film and Arts Center, Hallwalls will present a rare screening of Jarman’s film BLUE (1993, 79min). Interweaving a soundtrack of voices (John Quentin, Nigel Terry, Tilda Swinton) and music by Coil, BLUE is a deeply personal film that attempts to convey Jarman’s experiences with the AIDS without images, just as the disease had caused blindness but had not robbed him of his vision. (See description below.) BLUE was Jarman’s final film, released just months before he died of AIDS-related complications. This screening is a fundraiser for WAYS IN! Tickets are $10 general and $8 students/seniors/members. The Market Arcade is located at 639 Main St. in downtown Buffalo.
Thursday November 20th & Friday November 21st at 8pm at Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center we will present the recent documentary about Jarman, DEREK (2008, 76min). A collaboration between British artist Isaac Julien and actress Tilda Swinton, DEREK is a moving tribute to a friend and an intimate portrait of the artist, painter, writer, gay activist, gardener and filmmaker. Featuring rarely seen home movie footage, interviews, and excerpts of Jarman’s feature films, pop promos and super-8 work. (See description below.) Part of Jarman’s rich legacy, in addition to his films and paintings, is his frequently visited garden in Dungeness. To honor his legacy, this screening will be a fundraiser for Life Memorial Park (located at Prospect and Normal), founded to memorialize those lost to AIDS. Tickets are $8 general, $6 students/seniors, $5 members.
—Staff
