Control represents models of self-organisation and contextualisation in art practice that are functioning within the contemporary social and cultural landscape. These models by their very existence, operation, and function, act as a critical counter consciousness to the reductive determinism that dominates the institutional and institutionalised art world of today. In the main, instead of object based monumental emulative icons for denoting immortality and power, these art practices are transient and informal, existing between people rooted in a particular context, often built around the cybernetic principles of dynamic feedback and exchange.

The group of artists that are contributing to this current issue of Control have all in their very different circumstances, addressed the issues of contextulisation, meaning and function in creating artwork that acts between people: that in its processes celebrates their community and society.

These are modern art practices that have a different language from the historical monumental object, and indicate the possibilities of a transformative future. They are seen as a signpost to how the world can be different, and importantly have not just been postulated in some theoretical discussion but have actually happened, been demonstrated, and are recorded here in this new issue of Control.

This new issue of CONTROL presents models of socially founded art practice developed from a process of engagement with a community and their context.

Contributors

• Helen Walker & Harun Morrison, They Are Here – Ayandeh Garden, 2016-ongoing

• Pete Clarke Liverpool – Notebooks, 1978-2018

• Lucie Kolb – Politics Of Study

• Gary Bratchford And Robert Parkinson – Draft Of A Memento

• Rebecca Davies & Eva Sajovic, People's Bureau – Artist As Provocateur

• Eliana Otta – Gapado Island’s Treasures

• Stephen Willats – Polemics And Meaning In A Contextual Art Practice

• Javier Calderton, Chalton Gallery – Purpose

The launch of CONTROL Twenty One takes place on Monday 29 July, 6:30–8:30pm at Chalton Gallery, London NW1.