Robin Deacon

Robin Deacon (born 1973 Eastbourne, England) is an artist, writer and filmmaker based in the UK. Working since the early 1990’s, much of his work encompasses live performance with a series of performed lectures that have explored journalistic and documentary approaches to arts practice. His work is characterised by a humorous and often satirical approach to the subject matter.

His performances and videos have been presented in the UK and internationally in venues such as The ICA, London (1996), The Young Vic, London (2000), CCCB, Barcelona (2006), Tanzquartier Wein, Vienna (2007) and the Centre d'art Scenique Contemporain Lausanne, Switzerland (2009). He has also been artist in residence at Sophiensaele in Berlin (2005), Camden Arts Centre London (2006) and Robert Wilson's Watermill Center, New York, USA (2009). Recently, he has become known for his works in political biography, with a series of performances on the lives of former US Secretary of State Colin Powell (2004 – 08) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel (2005). These works have a strong multimedia element and are often rewritten in response to prevailing news events regarding their subject. The use of recorded interviews (some recorded covertly) is a key element of these and later performances. He has cited documentary filmmaker Errol Morris as an influence on this particular strand of his work.

Current projects include a documentary film on the life of late US American performance artist Stuart Sherman, currently in the early stages of production. His most recent performance piece Prototypes (2006 – 08) stylistically references the output of documentary films produced by the British Transport Commission. He is an Associate Artist of Artsadmin and is Principal Lecturer in Creative Arts at London South Bank University.

Performance

* Approximating the Art of Stuart Sherman (2006/2008)
* Prototypes (2006/2007)
* Dispatches (2005)
* Whatever Happened to Colin Powell? (2004/2008)
* Harry and Me (2004/2005)
* Double O (2001)
* The Costello Show (with Laurence Harvey) (2000)
* Confessions of an Idiot (2000)
* Hard Water and Other Objects (1999)
* Employee of the Month (1998)
* Monopoly (1997)

Film

* A Portrait of Stuart Sherman (in production)
* Words in my Mouth (4 min, 2007)
* They Used to Call it a White Elephant (35 min, 2006)
* What is a Performance Artist? (3 min, 2005)
* Passionate About (5 min, 2000)

References

* [http://sites.a-n.co.uk/interface/reviews/single/446290 Artists Newsletter Review - "Approximating the Art of Stuart Sherman" (2008)]

* [http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2004/aug/18/theatre.edinburghfestival20045 The Guardian's theatre critic Lyn Gardner on "Harry and Me" (2004)]

External links

* [http://www.robindeacon.com The artists website and archive]

* [http://www.artsadmin.co.uk/projects/associate-artist.php?id=3 Robin Deacon and Artsadmin - Associate Artist]

* [http://www.britishcouncil.org/arts-performanceinprofile-2008-robin-deacon.htm British Council]

Further reading

* Bailey, D and Shah, R. (eds.) "Documenting Live" Live Art Development Agency (2008)

* Frank, T and Waugh, M. (eds.) "We Love You: On Audiences" Revolver (2005)

* McGilp, A. "Do Not Interrupt Your Activities" Royal College of Art (2005)

* Sofaer, J. "The Performance Pack" Tate/Arts Council England (2004)