Blue monday

It was such a nice day today I couldn’t just sit at my desk, this could be the last sunny day before the soggy gloom of the Great British winter kicks in. So I decided to seize the day and visit Roger Hiorns installation in South London.

But I didn’t do this for my own enjoyment, I did it so that those of you who can’t make to Seizure can experience by proxy this amazing work (is it still philanthropy if you really enjoy doing it?)

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So here we go. I took this picture so I didn’t have to bother writing down opening times for you all, but if you want more info go here.

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Once past the sign you walk into this derelict estate.

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There’s an old tree in the center of the court and mottled brown leaves are dotted along the old concrete. It may be derelict it’s still nicer than where I live, thanks Hackney Homes!

I went with my Austrian friend Lisa – she’s the one with the yellow bag on the right.

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Once you get let in by the polite chap on the door there is a corridor, which is just like a normal flat. Then you round a corner and get your first glimpse…

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Venture further and this greets you. Every wall is coated with blue crystals which apparently were produced by pumping liquid copper sulphate into the building.  I think that’s wrong, I’m pretty sure it was done by black magic.

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One of the best things about Seizure is that you can touch anything. Too little art is this “hands on”.

The crystals feel hard, cold, and almost sharp. It’s a really strange environment – simultaneously harsh and tranquil.

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Lisa wanted to know what they tasted like – remember she is foreign.

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Here I am enjoying the experience. Also, a tip for the lads – I reckon this would be a great place to meet arty girls. I saw two or three cuties in and around the place and that was only in 30 minutes.

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Around the corner, tucked away behind two pillars, you find this bath.

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This was bound to happen.

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It’s also really dark in there so you can mess about with your camera and slow shutter speeds like this.

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Then you go back out into the real world knowing you’ve seen something special.

It was such a great experience to visit Seizure. It’s art you can really get involved with and I came away feeling happy and enthused – it’s honestly better than Prozac. I can’t encourage you strongly enough to get down there.

It’s creator, Roger Hiorns is up for the Turner Prize this year – I hope he wins.

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