Le Document — Issue Nine
Welcome to Issue Nine of Le Document. Who would have believed that after such a glorious summer we would be heading straight back into some kind of economic and cultural lockdown. I guess it was inevitable after relaxing the social distancing rules over the last few months it was only a matter of time before the virus infection rate would start to climb.
As I write this introduction I’m enjoying the last few hours before the rule of six becomes effective. No longer will we be able to meet in larger happy-go-lucky groups. Just like the one I joined with Harry to celebrate his birthday at the end of August. We all met at Lee Maelzer’s garden, just a few minutes walk from Bethnal Green High Street. There were familiar faces as well as new ones and it made me really think about how special it is to actually meet face to face to discuss ideas and make connections. I like working from home, it really suits my temperament. But I’m also very aware of the importance of the social contract. Even a hermit needs to come out of the wilderness to reveal some of the truths brought about through solitude.
Before I thank all our contributors for making Issue Nine one of the best issues so far I wanted to raise two projects that have kept various members of the Le Document staff super busy. Firstly an update on the Le Documents music project. We haven’t mixed the final tracks but from the rough edits things are sounding great. What we are all very excited about is that last week Harry decided to respond to a shout out from Lloyd Cole about offering to help, give advice or even contribute to budding musical endeavours. This was a direct result of lockdown measures around the world. Well we gave it a try, sent in our demo and knock us both down with a feather he liked what he heard and has agreed to mess around with the vocal tracks! Let’s see what happens, will update you all next month.
The second thing I want to draw your attention to is an art project curated by Harry Pye which he has been working on since 2019 which culminates in an exhibition of paintings, drawings, collages all made in celebration of John Lennon. If he were still alive he would have been 80 on the 9th October this year. The exhibition is called John Lennon is Not Dead — He’s 80! and will be held at the Stash Gallery, part of the exhibition space in Vout-O-Renee’s from 2nd — 24th October. Please make the effort to go and visit the show. There will be 80 artists taking part, here is the press release:
John Lennon was born on October the 9th 1940 to mark his 80th anniversary 80 artists have made a work inspired by Lennon’s life and work. John Lennon’s Not Dead will feature; drawings, paintings, photography, and collage. There will also be some specially made music and animation and some surprise performances. Because of social distancing there will be 4 Fab gatherings (some of which will be filmed and then shared on You Tube) rather than one big opening party. Interested parties should contact Sophie Parkin to make an appointment to see the show.
The exhibition’s curator explains the title of the exhibition:
Harry Pye: “Some people believe you die three times. The first time is when your heart stops beating, the second time is when they put you in the ground, and the third time is when everyone stops saying your name. I still turn to John Lennon when I need cheering up or feel in need of inspiration, and because I’m not the only one, I feel it’s reasonable to say, John Lennon is not dead.”
Artists taking part in the exhibition include Royal Academy painters such as; Chantal Joffe, Musicians such as Jerry Dammers, Cartoonists such as Tony Husband, and photographers such as Chalkie Davies. A splendid time is guaranteed for all.
“John Lennon Is Not Dead” is a group exhibition curated by Harry Pye taking place at The Stash Gallery in Vout-O-Reenee’s, The Crypt, 30 Prescot St, E1 8BB for the duration of October 2020. Please note this celebration of John Winston Ono Lennon is unauthorised and 100% unofficial. Vout-O-Reenee’s is a private members club and pre booking is essential.
Ok, that only leaves me to thank, in no particular order; Jackie Clark, Peter Suchin, Jo Mama, Leonie Woods, Rochelle Roberts, Cashen Voyager, Jamie Wagg, Tine Frellesen, Paul Carrack, Louise Bristow and Andrew Petrie.
And remember, six is company, seven is breaking the law!
Until next month, stay safe.
Chris & Harry
Cover image Benday dots magnified by Chris Tosic
web: www.christosic.com
instagram: @chris_tosic
