The Body is (not) Here - Franko B's Archive

14th February - 1st May 2020; Tues - Fri 9.30am - 5pm 

The Body is (not) Here explores the archive of visual artist, curator and teacher Franko B through representations of the human body, which loom large throughout the collection. The physical exhibition is now closed, but it has been documented and can be viewed as a virtual 360 exhibition.

Coming to recognition during the rise of performance and live art in the 1990s, Franko’s deeply autobiographical work presents the body as both a site and a material.  His body is visible throughout the exhibition via documentation of performances and exhibitions, captured in personal photographs, described in vivid detail within publicity material and press cuttings, or hinted at by its absence through objects, traces and the residue of performances.

Interweaving personal stories and universal themes – of pain, suffering, protest, life and love – The Body is (not) Here provides audiences with multiple encounters with Franko’s body and the body of his archive, which like Franko’s work, challenge the way we see, feel and experience the world around us; asking us to consider ‘what it is to be human’.  An exhibition catalogue for The Body is (not) Here (PDF, 1,161kB) is available to download. 

The exhibition is accompanied by a programme of free public events, including an 'in conversation' with the artist, a symposium on 'challenging' archives, a writing workshop, and a series of exhibition tours.

Lunchtime exhibition tours led by a member of Theatre Collection staff take place between 12.30 and 13.00 on Friday 28th February, Wednesday 4th March, Wednesday 1st April and Wednesday 29th April.  No need to book - just turn up! 

Please be aware the exhibition contains adult themes and content, which may not be suitable for all audiences.  Please contact the Theatre Collection if you would like to discuss content in advance of visiting.

Franko B donated his Archive to the Theatre Collection in 2008 where it has recently been catalogued and conserved as part of the Wellcome Trust funded project ‘Challenging Archives: Delivering research access, public engagement and the curatorial care of the Franko B Archive’.  A full catalogue of Franko B's archive can be viewed online.