Black Dogs, Leeds premier booze inspired art collective, respond to their first outside invitation to exhibit work in an actual gallery space the only way they know how – without any work. Their DIY ethic may appear to have become a thorn in the paw for this particular event, but dispense with your scepticism, as the audience are invited to find out for themselves that the jumping of the hurdle is infinitely more exciting than a flat race.
In ‘Wager Slave’ Black Dogs let the audience decide what the content of the exhibition will be. This is achieved through a complex yet methodical series of games, events and most importantly wagers, structured by Black Dogs to achieve total fun and engagement. At the opening event (1st September) the attendees are encouraged to take advantage of various low cost services and entertainments provided by the six individual members of Black Dogs. Following this riotous funfair all money gained will be placed in a dog race at the near-by racing track, the winnings of which are to be spent on an art object then displayed in the gallery for the remainder of the exhibition.
A further twist appears in the course, as the art object attained with the winnings is dictated by its monetary value in a home shopping catalogue. The art object can therefore range from a pack of AAA Batteries to a fully functioning chest freezer. In order to test the assumption that anything in the walls of a gallery is art Black Dogs will place the object on an online auction site, the end of which will coincide with the final day of the exhibition. On this date the audience are once more invited back to the space to see the results of their art-gambling pay off, or not. Free drinks will flow all round if the winnings allow it, otherwise expect to be subjected to the dreaded ‘artists talk’ if we end up out of pocket.
All are welcome to join in the fun and drama. Your input is vital and appreciated, you only need bring loose change and if nothing else, you’ll get to experience the guilty pleasure of the dog track for free, and maybe learn a little more about contemporary art practice simultaneously. Plus booze.
Runs from 1st September until 17th at Bloc Space. 198 Arundel Street, Sheffield S1 4RE | telephone 0114
Opening event on friday 1st September starts at 6pm
Closing event on sunday 17th at 2pm
