Art
Christopher Kulendran Thomas: New Eelam
New Eelam is a real-estate technology company founded by artist Christopher Kulendran Thomas in order to develop a global housing subscription based on collective co-ownership rather than individually owned private property.
Initiated as a long-term artwork in the form of a startup, the venture has brought together an interdisciplinary team of specialists across the fields of technology, art, real estate, finance and architecture to explore how a more liquid form of citizenship could be constructed beyond national boundaries.
Developed in collaboration with curator Annika Kuhlmann, New Eelam originates from contemporary art’s role in reimagining cities, from styles of living to forms of labour.
is needed now More than ever
New Eelam’s ‘concept space’ at Spike Island – part of the company’s research and development process – is a sci-fi vision of an alternate reality, featuring technologies such as hydroponic home-farming systems presented here as living sculptures. Within this immersive environment, visitors can view New Eelam’s speculative documentary 60 million Americans can’t be wrong, which introduces the post-capitalist housing proposal and the political and historical horizons of the venture.
The exhibition also features a collection of micro videos that explore how a new economic model could be grown out of the existing economic system rather than in opposition to it.
This first UK presentation of New Eelam provides a timely opportunity to consider new possibilities for the architecture and experience of citizenship.
Jan 19-March 24, Tue-Sun 12-5pm. For more info, visit www.spikeisland.org.uk/events/exhibitions/exhibition-new-eelam-bristol