Prevelant

Mario Lewis
21 January 2005 to 4 March 2005

The exhibition presented an installation meditating on the diasporan experience, commenting on ‘migration, history and belonging,’ and a ‘hybrid film’ that explores ‘the passing of time, estrangement, [and] alienation as a poetic construct.’

Since living in London, Lewis has used the medium of video extensively to explore aspects of contemporary culture and his personal history by visiting chosen places such as Lord’s Cricket Ground, Cambridge University, a traditional English umbrella shop in central London, or a pub full of football supporters. Once there, he would initiate conversations with people, uncovering various worlds within UK society as he examines his own place within it.

The time-based nature of the moving image is perhaps suited to his interest in the relationship between the past and present, between the cultures of the destinations of migrants and the cultures left behind. The range of ways in which the moving image can be used also fascinates Lewis: by ‘deconstructing the language of cinema’ through the use of ‘different strategies and aesthetic devices that function in-between documentary, cinema verité and experimental filmmaking, [… his] intention is to engage in the ongoing discourse which is connected with ‘re-presentation’ and at the same time question the notion of ‘difference’.’

Lewis has exhibited internationally outside of his native Trinidad, most notably in Cuba, the United States, Brazil and Senegal.