Site 11. Lucy Orta (France)
Identity + Refuge (1995)
Plume
2nd September - 15th October 2002

Identity + Refuge is a collective title used by Lucy Orta to describe a number of community-based projects focused on 'transformative potential'- or, as an Op-shop sign once announced, "your discards are someone's trump card." This video compilation documented Orta's investigations and workshops that have been conducted in many cities around the world and recorded on video since 1993: the interactions or collaborations have explored aspects of food, clothing and shelter - three fundamentals of life. One 'transformation' workshop for instance, used produce discarded at the end of market day (Les Halles, Paris) and with the help of celebrity chefs, turned would-be trash into up-market preserves and conserves. Similarly, old garments and accessories, with the help of groups of homeless and disaffected teenagers, were miraculously and stylishly transformed: an umbrella became a ribbed skirt; men's neckties created a beautifully-cut, swirling skirt; old woollen hats and leather gloves were resuscitated almost beyond recognition, becoming variations on the fashionable winter coat.

Curator: Ewen McDonald