Weightless ghosts / Accidental spectators
Weightless ghosts / Accidental spectators is an experimental live performance programme interrogating the distinction between spectator and witness.
This new series for Humber Street Gallery takes Claire Bishop’s Disordered Attention as a point of departure to re-align, misinterpret, and make distorted the relationship between artist and audience. As we slip between the blurring of dance, ritual, sound, voice, and body, we’ll be exploring the meaning of performance art, its orbit in our city and how we bear witness to impermanence.
Performance artists:
- Sean Roy Parker
- Sym Stellium
- Nathan Walker
- KP Culver
Quote from Claire Bishop’s Disordered Attention:
“The care of art objects comes into direct conflict with care for performers, especially when the latter need hydrating. The audience, meanwhile, changes its character: from sedentary, self-selecting theatre goers to multiple mobile publics – or occasionally, no audience at all.” Bishop, p.93.
We take our understanding of performance art from the definition offered by Tate. You can read more about this here. We think of performance art to exist in a blurriness between choreography and spontaneity, and as a method for artists and audiences alike to process the changing relationship between the body and the spaces it exists and moves in.
At Humber Street Gallery we are interested in bringing new performance works to the city and providing space for artists to explore and share challenging work. Our city has a long history of radical performance, from COUM Transmissions to Hull Time Based Arts. With a contemporary community of artists exploring the potential of sound, dance, and theatre in their work, we want to celebrate Hull as a place where expectations are challenged and where new understandings of art can emerge.
At Weightless ghosts / Accidental spectators, you can expect to see:
- Live readings of poetry and spoken word.
- Artists using their voice to create new sounds.
- Visual projections of film and moving images.
- Alternative interpretations of dance and movement.
Accessibility
Is Humber Street Gallery wheelchair accessible?
Yes. You can access every part of the gallery without steps. The entrance is level with the street, and there’s a lift to all floors, including the rooftop.
Do you have accessible toilets?
Yes. We have one all-gender accessible toilet on the ground floor with grab rails and emergency pull cords.
Can I bring my assistance dog?
Absolutely. We welcome guide dogs, hearing dogs and other trained assistance animals throughout the building.
Do you provide large print or accessible exhibition guides?
Yes. We offer large print as standard and Dyslexia-friendly versions of exhibition texts. You can pick them up in the gallery or download them from the exhibition pages of our website.
Is there somewhere quiet I can go if I need a break?
We know the gallery can sometimes feel busy or overwhelming. Ask a member of staff and we’ll help you find a quieter space to take a moment.
Do you offer sensory-friendly experiences?
Some exhibitions include sensory content and we have regular quiet hours. We also have ear defenders available to borrow at the front desk. If you need anything specific, get in touch before your visit. You can find details of our noisy and quiet hours at the top of this page.
Is there Blue Badge parking nearby?
Yes. There are Blue Badge parking bays on Humber Street and surrounding roads, just a short distance from the gallery.
Are your events and workshops accessible?
We aim to make all events as accessible as possible. Access details vary depending on the activity, so check individual listings or contact us with any questions.
What if I have an access need that’s not listed here?
We’re happy to chat and find ways to support your visit. You can call us, email us or drop in for a conversation.
