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Leeds art installation asks: what would you do?
THE racist murder of Stephen Lawrence 16 years ago at a bus stop in south east London remains unsolved.
One problem surrounding the investigation and failure to get the case to court was a lack of evidence from witnesses.
An art installation which marks the opening of a new gallery in Chapeltown, Leeds, tomorrow asks the question 'what would you do?' in the same situation.
London artist Tahera Aziz began working on her piece, called (re)locate, in 2003.
The work is sound-only and features a recording by actors of the night of the 18-year-old's stabbing after he was confronted by a gang of white youths.
Ms Aziz said: "I'd followed the case very keenly from the start. It was just so shocking that somebody could be walking home and get stabbed because of their colour.
"The other thing that really got me going was that there were three witnesses at that bus stop. They all got on the bus, they didn't wait around after the attack, which is something I don't judge them on.
"I wanted to explore the idea of what if you were a bystander in that situation, how would you react.
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"I'm a visual artist but chose to work with sound because it was dark that night and I want people to create their own mental images.
"The piece is broader than racism, although that is the key concern. It's about witnessing and social responsibility."
Her work is on the top floor of Union 105, a new gallery and artists' studio complex based in a former shop in Chapeltown Rd.
The 2nd floor room has been blacked out and, after a basic introduction to the story, light sensors trigger different sections as you walk through the installation.
Union 105 is the fourth venture by Leeds-based East Streets Arts (ESA) founded by Karen Watson and Jon Wakeman.
Patrick Studios in Burmantofts came first followed by Beaver Studios in Hunslet and Barkston Studios Holbeck, with the aim to provide cheap studio space and keep local talent in Leeds.
Karen said: "People still have certain perceptions about Chapeltown. This is why we wanted Union 105 here to create debate and get rid of some of these myths."
(re)locate runs until December 4, between noon and 5pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays or by appointment.
Tahera Aziz will hold a free talk from 6pm at the Leeds Media Centre in Chapeltown next Tuesday in the Savile Room.
For details call 0113 248 0040, email tim.smith@esaweb.org.uk or visit the blog union105.org.uk.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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