This series of events explored overlaps between experimental art practice and specific modes of formal play within the conventions of horror fiction. From the narrative tradition of the ‘tale within a tale’ to the ‘found-footage’ movie, the potential for metafictional reading is constantly emerging in the history of the fantastic as a genre. Arguably the appearance of supernatural entities or events within otherwise realist narratives is in and of itself subversive of dominant representational codes. Meanwhile, the DIY ethos of low-budget horror undermines the flawless simulations of commercial spectacle, while the mutant forms of experimental cinema burrow further beneath the surface, between and behind the scenes of the image.

Sessions included screenings of relevant material, new collaborative work explicitly made for Vestibule, workshop activities and discussions. The aim was to create a forum for exchanging ideas around this subject area, with the potential for ongoing collaborative research and practice.

Participants included staff and alumni from Central Saint Martins and The Art Academy of Latvia:

Kristaps Ancāns, Marta Viktorija Agruma, Kintija Avena, Natasha Brown, Madara Gruntmane, Marc Hulson, Medb Mcpherson & Donna Poingdestre, Dzelde Mierkalne, Anna Malicka, Marine One, Agate Tūna & Plastic Afterlife (Kristians Aglonietis & Patrīcija Māra Vilsone)

Part of Vestibule - Art Programme take over of Lethaby Gallery, Central Saint Martins, London, UK, January 2023