The Forever Loop - Eddie Peake ~ LIGHT WONDERS

Last week I attended one of the most unique exhibitions that I have ever been to. Titled The Forever Loop and hosted at the Barbican Centre, Eddie Peake has created installations, performances and art specific to the curve of the room. The exhibition has a choreographed performance that runs continuously on screens through maze-like walls. The art is what I would suggest as interactive, with a raised scaffolding walk way and nude dancers performing the looped dance routine. Surrounding the viewer are surreal objects such as giant Perspex bears, whale bones and a chequer-board dance floor resembling all the time Peake has spent at night clubs. On the curved wall of the room, is a ninety metre long stencilled phrase in fluorescent pink spray paint in the style of typical street art. However, because the start of the phrase was at the end of the room where the exit is, it encourages the viewer to then loop back on their journey to be able to read it transforming the room into an endless loop as well. Loops are presented around the room, with the scaffolding above the work causing you to turn back on yourself and holes in the plaster walls. The idea for a continuous loop was initiated when Eddie would walk into an installation video and have no idea whether he was in the beginning, middle or end of it, and from this became slightly obsessed with the idea of video loops.

Peake was investigating into construction of self, identity and sexuality through his work and we can see this through home videos he has included on an endless loop as well as objects that remind him of his childhood. With confrontational installations it makes you question the reasoning why showing nudity is such a frowned upon act in society today. Peake said for The Guardian “I do think it is interesting that in other parts of the world different body parts signify different things. For example we really fetishise breasts but you see footage where women walk around topless and the meaning of breasts is evidently very different.” I think the message that he is sending via this exhibition is important for society and for this time of age when people are beginning to understanding the importance of equality and reduce the obsession with nudity. A small but rich exhibition exploring identity and desire with thought provoking art is definitely worth the visit and the time spent 'looping' around the room.