The Line presents Simon Faithfull’s 0o00 Navigation
East London's public art trail, The Line, presents an exploration of longitude and artistry by Simon Faithfull.
Image: #1107 le Baobab. Simon Faithfull.
East London's renowned public art trail, The Line, is set to unveil 0o00 Navigation by artist Simon Faithfull, marking the launch of London Sculpture Week on 17 September. Co-curated with Arup Phase 2, this project delves into Faithfull's epic journeys to trace the 0° line of longitude across the globe, offering a unique exploration of the paradoxes and absurdities tied to this hypothetical line. The installation of 38 paving stones near Cody Dock engraved with Faithfull's drawings mirrors his journey, which took him through various countries following the invisible north/south line, all the while being only 500 meters east of the Greenwich Meridian itself.
Image: #1101 From Ighzer. Simon Faithfull.
In addition to the installation, The Line also features two compelling films as part of 0o00 Navigation. The first film, A Journey Across England (2009), chronicles the obsessive journey of a figure tracing the Greenwich Meridian across the English landscape, providing an interesting perspective on this unique endeavour. The second film, A Journey Across Europe and Africa (2015), uses 80 digital photographs in a slide-show projection to depict a figure standing precisely on the unseen 0° line of longitude as the landscape shifts from Europe to the Sahara and, finally, to the south coast of Ghana.
Image: #1113 Abdoulaye. Simon Faithfull.
The launch of 0o00 Navigation promises to be an exciting event, featuring a 'performance lecture' by Simon Faithfull at Cody Dock on 17 September, followed by a walking tour along The Line. The Line's co-founder and director, Megan Piper, expressed her excitement about including Faithfull's work, highlighting how it expands the Longitudinal Dialogues engagement program. This ambitious installation encourages viewers to reflect on the relationship between abstract mapping and firsthand experience, as Jennifer Greitschus, Head of Exhibition at Arup, aptly noted.
Image: The Line. Madge Gill. Cody Dock. Courtesy of The-Line. Photo by Angus Mill.
The Line offers visitors the chance to explore some of London's most vibrant creative neighbourhoods while interacting with thought-provoking artworks, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventurers alike. This dynamic art trail, featuring pieces by renowned artists like Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley, and Eva Rothschild, promises an engaging and immersive experience along the waterways of East London.
Date: 17 September 2023. Location: Cody Dock Gallery, 11c South Crescent, Canning Town, London, E16 4TL. Price: admission to the installation and films is free.
How to Book:No booking is required for the installation and film screenings. Simply visit Cody Dock Gallery during the specified times:
Film Screenings (1-5pm): Available on weekends until 1 October 2023.
Installation (ongoing): Accessible along the River Lea's towpath near Cody Dock.
Website: the-line.org