Letter from America, 2019
ABOUT THE WORK
Oscar Murillo’s commission takes a critical approach to working within a place under threat from social and cultural hegemony. Taking the form of a site-specific performance or ‘action’, his work continues themes he has explored throughout his career, including labour, migration and displacement. The work takes its title from the 1987 song by Scottish band The Proclaimers, which laments forced migration caused by 1980s de-industrialisation and factory closures. Having spent a large part of his young life in North East London, Murillo’s work considers the changing and sometimes embattled nature of community in the UK.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Oscar Murillo’s work constitutes a sustained and evolving investigation of ‘community’, informed by cross-cultural personal ties, as well as the transnational movement that has become integral to his practice. Executed in a wide range of media including painting, installation, video and actions, Murillo’s work explores themes such as globalisation, production, consumption, labour and migration.
ABOUT THE VENUE
Walthamstow Trades Hall is a traditional East End Social Club in the heart of Walthamstow. Art Night has worked with Trades Hall members to recreate the buzz of a traditional club night, while also looking to the future. There will be bingo, live music and performances from 7pm–1am. All welcome — and visitors can join the club on the night. Cash bar only.
