2013: ProjectsX-OPERATIVEExhibitionWysing, Cambridge
The terms X-Operative is taken from an essay by Ksenia Cheinman, who invents the term to describe common places where the cultural space becomes creative, productive, commercial, domestic, and educational all at once. This idea was used as a framework for an exhibition about X Marks the Bökship at Wysing Arts Centre, Cambridge.
Using this playfully as a blueprint the exhibition includes specially commissioned artist-made display systems by Adam Burton, Sophie Demay, Rory Macbeth, Beatriz Olabarrieta and Keef Winter, each supporting a selection of publications available to read or purchase from each station. Independently produced by artists, designers and writers these books sit in relation to five separate themes illustrating the multi operations of X Marks the Bökship: reading & writing, production, performance, distribution and exchange.
'These spaces that merge production and distribution spaces into one in a capitalist system become community hubs known for their local engagement yet international reach. It is in this sense that they become a unique set of Uncommon Commons where unlikely facilities meet, often combining bookshop and library/reading room spaces, exhibitions and communal food venues, music events and theoretical courses. They are not community centres as far as their mandate goes, neither do they try to please the general public, but they are community spaces where everyone is welcome to become part of a meta‐community in the form of an X‐Op.’
Extract from X-enos. Uncommon Commons by Ksenia Cheinman
Over the duration of the five weeks, each construction was activated as the focus of a packed events programme focusing on each theme including talks, screenings, workshops, readings and performances. The events allowed for an environment for exchange and study as well as action, reflection and discussion and include contributions from Anagram Books, And Public, Eleanor Vonne Brown, Adam Burton, Adam Chodzko and Rob Young, Michael Dean, Chris Evans and Will Holder, Rory Macbeth, PERSONA Journalwith Melissa Gordon, Jessica Wiesner and Marina Vishmidt, The Fox with Mathew Whittington, and Lucy Woodhouse. Rebecca Jagoe will be based at Wysing Arts Centre as Bökship Writer-in-Residence for the duration of the exhibition.
