Lisa has worked on a third exhibition project with Navine G. Khan-Dossos. “There Is No Alternative”, which previewed on 4th June at The Showroom, Paddington, London, explores the visual branding of the UK government’s ‘Prevent’ Strategy. It raises subtle questions about whether there really are any alternatives (as per the title, borrowed from a soundbite by Margaret Thatcher) to this counter-terrorism technology. The exhibition will operate as a ‘pre-criminal’ space in which these ideas can be explored and reflected upon.
Two fully painted walls feature Prevent logo-inspired designs, while dossiers of documents, including a folder of the artist’s research, are provided on central tables for visitors to read and interact with. (Visitors are invited to write on post-its and add them to the documents.) Lisa has curated a dossier of documents on mental health practitioner debates about Prevent which features on one of the four tables.
More wall paintings will take place over the course of the next two months, such that new ‘windows’ will overlay the current murals. A series of public-facing events will also be held to coincide with and contribute to the work of the exhibition, including workshops and talks designed and hosted by a number of collaborators. On 17th July Lisa will organise a panel debate on how the implementation of Prevent impacts upon freedom of expression and public mental health. More details to follow soon.
